My main goal in starting Pametan Zalogaj was to improve children's nutrition in elementary schools by providing healthy, personalized meals in a convenient and accessible way. Growing up, I experienced firsthand the challenges of unhealthy school meals and the lack of proper nutritional education. I wanted to create a solution that helps parents ensure their children have access to balanced, nutritious meals while also educating kids on healthy eating habits through an engaging platform.

Yes, we have secured 6.6 million dinars in funding from the Smart Start Program, which has helped us develop the initial phases of our platform. Additionally, we are actively seeking further investments and grants to accelerate our growth. Bootstrapping has also been an essential part of our journey—leveraging strategic partnerships and keeping operations lean has allowed us to maximize resources efficiently.

One of the biggest trends shaping Pametan Zalogaj is the rising awareness of childhood nutrition and the role of technology in personalizing food choices. Parents today are more concerned than ever about what their children eat, and schools are increasingly open to integrating healthier meal programs. Additionally, AI-driven meal personalization and digital platforms for meal planning are becoming crucial in helping families make healthier choices with ease.

One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the regulatory requirements for providing meals in schools, including food safety laws and school policies. Additionally, changing habits and perceptions around children's nutrition requires time and continuous education, both for parents and institutions. However, by building strong partnerships with schools, nutritionists, and local food providers, we are addressing these challenges step by step.

One of the biggest challenges has been navigating the regulatory requirements for providing meals in schools, including food safety laws and school policies. Additionally, changing habits and perceptions around children's nutrition requires time and continuous education, both for parents and institutions. However, by building strong partnerships with schools, nutritionists, and local food providers, we are addressing these challenges step by step.

If you don’t have the financial resources to start, focus on grants, startup programs, and entrepreneurship workshops—they provide not only funding but also valuable mentorship, validation, and exposure to potential investors. Many founders overlook these opportunities, but they can be a game-changer, just like they were for me. Equally important is networking—your net worth is your network. Surround yourself with like-minded entrepreneurs, attend events, join startup communities, and seek mentorship whenever possible. The right connections can open doors you never even knew existed. And finally, solve a real problem, stay persistent, and be ready to adapt. Challenges will always arise, but if you stay focused on your mission, listen to your customers, and remain flexible, success will follow.

My biggest motivation is knowing that Pametan Zalogaj can genuinely impact children’s health and well-being. Seeing parents appreciate our solution and knowing that kids are getting better meals at school drives me forward. Also, my personal journey—having experienced the struggles of unhealthy school meals and the impact of poor nutrition—fuels my passion for this mission. I want to create lasting change in my country and leave a positive legacy for future generations.