Jelena Žovnikova is a seasoned business and financial advisor, trainer, mentor, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience. She has empowered more than 1000 entrepreneurs, startups, creatives, and NGOs to optimize business models, plan finances, and accelerate growth. Formerly a partner in a pan-Baltic consulting company Grant Thornton Baltic, Jelena now leads her own consulting company, serves on the management board of Hooandja (the Baltic largest rewards-based crowdfunding platform), and is an active member of Startup Estonia’s regional development expert group. A trusted advisor, trainer and mentor in both Estonian and international incubators, accelerators, and entrepreneurial programs, she is passionate about fostering innovation. During her PhD studies, Jelena aims to contribute to making the Estonian innovation ecosystem more efficient.