Can local entrepreneurship become a driver for the development of energy communities? And how can energy communities create new opportunities for local businesses? Participants of the PowerYouth “Entrepreneurship Day”, held online on 29 September 2026, explored these questions. The event, organised by the Assosiation of Municipalities Polish Network “Energie Cités” in cooperation with the City and Municipality of Niepołomice, focused on opportunities for developing entrepreneurship in the context of the green transition and innovation, as well as the benefits of participating in energy communities. Participants had the opportunity to gain practical knowledge, talk to representatives of existing energy communities, and learn more about funding and cooperation opportunities.
The meeting began with a presentation by Ms Marta Jędrysiak-Strózik, the Mayor’s Representative for Cooperation with Entrepreneurs, who introduced the topic of local entrepreneurship in the Municipality of Niepołomice and presented the opportunities for cooperation and support available to entrepreneurs.
Participants then received an introduction to energy communities. Zofia Michlowicz from the Association of Municipalities Polish Network “Energie Cités” presented key aspects of how energy communities operate, as well as online tools supporting their establishment. Mr Rafał Krenz from the Association of Energy, Development and Digital Cooperatives spoke about the practical aspects of operating energy cooperatives, as well as the benefits and opportunities they can offer to entrepreneurs.
An important part of the meeting was also dedicated to the experience of the MES-TOWN Łódź Citizen Energy Community. Ms Elżbieta Budyn and Mr Artur Pogocki shared examples of activities and experiences related to the development of the first initiative of this kind in Poland.
The second part of the event focused on support opportunities for entrepreneurs. Mr Jarosław Czopek from the Małopolska Centre for Entrepreneurship presented funding opportunities available in 2026, highlighting options related to business development and environmental initiatives. Ms Urszula Woźniak from Krakow Technology Park spoke about available support for entrepreneurs, exploring new and innovative paths for business development, and the importance of strategic cooperation.
Several important issues related to the development of local energy initiatives and entrepreneurship emerged during the meeting. The importance of building cooperation and mutual trust among partners was emphasised, along with sharing knowledge, experience and practical advice. The role of local leaders was also highlighted – people who can bring others together around a common goal, initiate activities and support their further development. These qualities can be particularly valuable when developing local energy initiatives and creating opportunities for cooperation with local businesses.
We would like to sincerely thank all the speakers for preparing engaging presentations, sharing their knowledge and experience, and taking the time to join the meeting. We would also like to thank all participants for their presence and active involvement. We hope that the meeting provided an opportunity to gain practical knowledge and inspiration for further development of local entrepreneurship and initiatives supporting the energy transition.
Presentations
- Społeczności energetyczne – wprowadzenie , Zofia MICHLOWICZ, Stowarzyszenie Gmin Polska Sieć „Energie Cités”
- Spółdzielnia energetyczna w praktyce – korzyści i możliwości dla przedsiębiorców , Rafał KRENZ, Związek Rewizyjny Spółdzielni Energetycznych, Rozwojowych i Cyfrowych (SERC)
- Budowanie obywatelskiej społeczności energetycznej – doświadczenia MES-TOWN Łódź , Elżbieta BUDYN, Artur POGOCKI, MES-TOWN Łódź
- Narzędzia online wspierające zakładanie społeczności energetycznych , Zofia MICHLOWICZ, Stowarzyszenie Gmin Polska Sieć „Energie Cités”
- Rozwój, cyfryzacja, środowisko – jak wykorzystać w firmie dostępne w 2026 r. źródła finansowania , Jarosław CZOPEK, Małopolskie Centrum Przedsiębiorczości
- Wsparcie przedsiębiorców i strategiczna współpraca , Urszula WOŹNIAK, Krakowski Park Technologiczny
The event was organised in cooperation with the City and Municipality of Niepołomice as part of the project PowerYouth: Empowering youth for energy community actions. POWERYOUTH is co-funded by the European Union under the LIFE+ Programme within the grant agreement No 101120687 — LIFE22-CET-POWERYOUTH. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
