Favourable conditions in the small towns around Ljubljana already attracted entrepreneurs during the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. Places like Domžale and Vrhnika were among the oldest industrial centers in Slovenia. Since the country’s independence, these towns have gained new competitors in Trzin, Mengeš, and Komenda. 

Trzin, a small municipality on the outskirts of Ljubljana, is quite the phenomenon. The old village has become attractive to both residents and entrepreneurs and is now considered the wealthiest municipality in Slovenia. Due to its fast-growing business zone, Trzin has by far the highest business density in the country, with around 165 companies per 1,000 inhabitants. The number of jobs created by these companies surpasses the number of residents in this suburban area. 

Neighbouring Mengeš is the location of Novartis’s high-tech production facilities and laboratories. 

Komenda, the birthplace of Slovenian cycling superstar Tadej Pogačar, is a similar example, albeit less extreme than Trzin. The main attraction of Komenda’s business zone is its proximity to Ljubljana’s Airport. To be honest, nothing in Slovenia is very far from the capital. Still, proximity combined with lower costs offers tangible advantages and seems to be a winning formula.