For more than two decades, UniCredit Bank S.A. has been a steadfast supporter of education, entrepreneurship, and social impact in Romania, with a strong focus on empowering youth and fostering sustainable business practices. Through strategic programs and partnerships, the bank aims to build a generation of well-prepared, financially literate, and socially responsible individuals who can shape the future of the country.
At the heart of UniCredit’s social mission is a desire to identify, finance, and promote individuals and businesses that generate both economic and societal value. The bank believes that sustainable business is essential not only for its own long-term health, but also for the prosperity of its clients and the communities it serves.
Fostering Entrepreneurship and Innovation
UniCredit Bank has been instrumental in launching and supporting initiatives that empower young entrepreneurs and drive innovation. Some notable programs include:
- F&B Business Accelerator & Innovation Camps – tailored support for HoReCa entrepreneurs;
- Techsylvania International Conference – promoting tech innovation and leadership;
- The Entrepreneurs Tours – a series of educational events across major Romanian cities;
- Endeavor Romania’s scale-up and mentoring programs – designed to accelerate high-impact ventures.
Financial Education for the Next Generation
Over 5,500 young people have already benefited from UniCredit Bank’s two flagship financial education programs:
- Start Major (6th edition), implemented by the Social Incubator Association, equips youth with skills in financial literacy, career development, and entrepreneurship, preparing them for independence and the job market.
- Smart Leo (2nd edition), in partnership with Lions Club Decan, focuses on basic financial education while also promoting sustainability awareness and encouraging youth-led sustainable business projects.
Advancing Academic and ESG Education
In a pioneering initiative, UniCredit supported the West University of Timișoara in launching Romania’s first postgraduate course on ESG reporting and sustainable finance. The program, inaugurated on ESG Day – November 14, 2024, addresses the national gap in ESG expertise. To date, 63 graduates have earned diplomas, contributing to the country’s transition to a more sustainable economy.
The bank also proudly funds Skills for Transition, a comprehensive training program that prepares students, NEETs, and companies facing challenges from the green transition to develop the competencies needed for a changing labor market.
Nurturing the Next Tech Giants
One of the latest additions to UniCredit’s youth empowerment efforts is TEKUNI, a specialized mentoring and growth program for university students aspiring to launch their own tech startups.
TEKUNI includes 8 modules where participants gain practical knowledge in business models, marketing, sales, team management, entrepreneurial mindset, organizational culture, product development and more. The program concludes with Demo Day, an event where participant teams prepare their startup ideas and pitch them to a jury of investors. The jury selects 3 startups with high potential for investment and provides the teams with feedback and recommendations.
The program bridges the gap between academic learning and real-world entrepreneurship, equipping students with essential tools, expert mentorship and access to a strategic network of investors and venture capital firms. Through TEKUNI, aspiring founders gain the resources and connections needed to transform innovative ideas into successful, scalable businesses.
Supporting the ESG Transition for Companies
To help businesses adapt to and capitalize on ESG trends, UniCredit launched three programs:
- ESG Journey – a national series of events on sustainability and ESG reporting;
- ESG Journey+ – in-depth workshops on transforming ESG compliance into competitive advantage.
With these two programs, we will reach 7 cities by the end of this year and we will meet with over 500 companies and discuss the risks and opportunities that the sustainable transition brings.
- ESG Lab – a local program dedicated to companies that expect to be impacted by the green transition. In 2024, the first edition took place, in which 23 companies took the first steps to create not only a transition plan, but also value, focusing on the opportunities resulting from integrating sustainability into their strategies. In 2025, we will increase the complexity and applicability of the program and aim to work with 25 corporate clients.
A Sustainable Vision for Romania’s Future
Through these diverse initiatives, UniCredit Bank S.A. is not only financing business and economic growth, but also shaping the next generation of socially-conscious leaders and innovators. By bridging the gap between education, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, the bank reaffirms its commitment to building a more inclusive, competitive, and future-ready Romania.
