Women Elevation
Women Elevation is a program aiming to create a women’s entrepreneurship academy with a special focus on green innovation. This program was implemented by our organization Women Do Business in cooperation with WIN (Women Investor Network) from Norway. WIN empowers women to strengthen their financial position and participation in innovation. At the same time, it trains them in investment tools, gives them access to investment opportunities and creates a network in which women are given the opportunity to collaborate, network and invest!
The Women Elevation program involved 35 women from rural areas who either wanted to start their own business or already had a business and wanted to develop it. The aim of the program was for the women to develop their entrepreneurial skills, enrich their soft skills, leadership skills and adaptability. They learned how their businesses could become more sustainable and how to immerse themselves in green innovation and social entrepreneurship.
The project started with a survey (mapping) to assess the knowledge that women in rural areas have about green entrepreneurship and innovation and whether they were willing to integrate green practices in their businesses.
The training of the facilitators/trainers of our network by WIN representatives in Athens followed, where through presentations and workshops they enhanced their knowledge on the following:
- Fundamentals of entrepreneurship and business development tools
- Leadership skills and assertiveness skills in business
- Basic principles of strategy
- Digital tools and social media
- Marketing
- Fundraising and financing tools
- Pitching for women-led companies and examining real-life cases
- Social entrepreneurship and innovation
- Familiarization with green entrepreneurship.
Women Elevation Academy
This was followed by the Women Elevation Academy where once a week, through an online platform, our facilitators met with the participants. The topics consisted of the topics of the facilitators training mentioned above, with a focus on green innovation. During the academy, 3 of the participants were selected to accompany members of the Women Do Business team to Norway to meet with the WIN organisation’s team. The trip included a two-day training program, where the participants came into contact with Norwegian companies specializing in green innovation.
This wonderful program was concluded with a festive event in Crete. The event was attended by all the participants of the program, as well as our partners from Norway. The aim was for the participants to meet our Norwegian partners, help them network with the Norwegian business network, and provide them with business advice and financial tools for their businesses.
Closing Event of the Women Elevation Program
On Friday 19 April 2024, at the beautiful Lato Boutique Hotel in Heraklion, Crete, we celebrated the successful completion of the Women Elevation Program!
35 women from all over Greece had the opportunity, through the program, to be trained in green entrepreneurship topics through a three-month academy.
Each meeting is, for the Women Do Business team, a new unique experience. Side by side with all those who have envisioned their own idea and are ready to start their own business.
With empowerment and mentoring we all move together from theory to practice.
Celebration and Networking Day
The Closing Event was an opportunity for celebration and networking, bringing together the participants of the Women Elevation Program. The atmosphere was charged with energy and optimism as the participants in attendance shared ideas, experiences and achievements.
During the event, certificates of completion of the program were awarded to the participants.
The results of the program were presented, demonstrating its positive impact on the empowerment of women in Greece. The program also contributed to the creation of a dynamic ecosystem of green innovations and sustainable businesses.
The evening ended with a business speed dating session, offering another networking opportunity. During this, a representative from WIN, Rita Anson, shared her business culture and expertise in entrepreneurship, as well as the usual networking.
We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the Closing Event, as well as the female participants for their dedication. We would also like to thank the presenters who attended the event and WIN representatives Rita Anson and Angela Holter for their contributions.
We are committed to continue to support women entrepreneurs in Greece and to promotegender equality in the business world, always with sustainability and innovation in mind.
This project is co-funded by Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the European Economic Area (EEA) Financial Mechanism under the Business Innovation Greece Program.
