The RE-FEM project, an innovative Erasmus+ initiative, aims to enhance the resilience and success ofwomen entrepreneurs across Europe. Through a series of pilot trainingsconducted in various countries,this project has provided female entrepreneurs with valuable skills, knowledge, and networkingopportunities to thrive in their business ventures. Here’s a look at the highlights and outcomes from thepilot trainings held inSlovakia, Hungary, Spain, Bulgaria, Romania, Slovenia, and Finland.
Slovakia: Bridging Innovation and Business Practice
In Slovakia, women entrepreneurs took part in the RE-FEM pilot training focusing on “Servitization and Innovation.” The training, held by the Slovak Business Agency, allowed participants to translate new information into actionable business strategies. Esteemed guest speakers, including Ing. Jaroslav Huľvej, PhD., and Veronika Bošková, enriched the sessions with their expertise in logistics, branding, and innovation. The event’s interactive nature fostered valuable networking and provided participants with the opportunity to contribute feedback, which will be incorporated into future training materials.
Hungary: Building Resilience and Entrepreneurial Identity
The SEED Foundation in Hungary played a pivotal role in developing the “Resilience: Wellbeing and Female Entrepreneurial Identity” module. During a training session in June, participants assessed their resilience through practical exercises and real-life scenarios. The module was completed with the gender context by the HETFA Research Institute as consortium leader. It emphasized the importance of psychological resilience in entrepreneurship. The training helped women entrepreneurs identify their personal strengths and social support systems, which are crucial for overcoming challenges in the business world.
Spain: A Collaborative Approach to Training
The RE-FEM pilot training for women entrepreneurs in Spain took place in July, with businesswomen and entrepreneurs participating in the online sessions organized by Andalucía Emprende. The training focused on the “Digital Transformation and Digital Readiness” module, and included practical exercises, such as creating a promotional video for the RE-FEM project. Participants found the AI-focused content particularly beneficial, with many highly recommending the training. While most achieved their learning objectives, some suggested deeper dives into certain topics and improved accessibility features. The online format facilitated broad participation across Andalusia, though it limited networking opportunities. Feedback from the event include incorporating more practical AI content, offering varied learning depths, and enhancing accessibility and networking opportunities.
Bulgaria: Embracing Digital Transformation
Bulgaria’s pilot training in May focused on the “Digital Transformation and Digital Readiness” module as well. Motivated women, either current or aspiring entrepreneurs, explored digital tools and strategies to streamline their businesses. Presentations by experts like Galina Momcheva and Vladislav Valchinov covered AI, digital marketing, and social media strategies. The positive feedback from participants highlighted the effectiveness of the training in preparing them for the digital age and enhancing their online presence.
Romania: Addressing the Need for Beginner-Level Training
In Romania, the pilot training received high praise from participants. The training on the “Digital Transformation and Digital Readiness” module was especially appreciated by beginners who had previously struggled to find suitable programs. Participants suggested that extending the training to two days would give them more time to deepen their understanding of the skills with guidance from the trainers. The incorporation of AI into the curriculum was particularly well-received, helping participants overcome initial nervousness and gain confidence in new technologies.
Serbia: Overcoming Challenges in Female Entrepreneurship
In Serbia, participants attended the training on the “Access to Innovation, Finance, and Local/International Markets” module. It addressed the key challenges in female entrepreneurship, such as the need for qualified personnel and additional education. The pilot training for women entrepreneurs was particularly well-received, with participants reporting high satisfaction levels. The training effectively met their expectations, equipping them with practical skills and knowledge applicable to the participants’ business activities.
Finland: Focusing on Digital Readiness
The Finnish pilot training, conducted in two parts, centered on “Digital Transformation and Digital Readiness”. Participants from the Ostrobothnia region, mostly from rural areas, provided diverse feedback, with many expressing a strong interest in AI and digital tools like Canva. The in-person sessions were particularly valued for networking opportunities. However, some participants suggested that the training could be more comprehensive, especially in AI. Despite varied feedback, the training was generally seen as beneficial, with most participants likely to recommend it to others.
Key Lessons and Recommendations: Across all pilot trainings, several key lessons emerged
1) Physical Meetings Matter: In-person sessions foster better networking and engagement among participants compared to online formats.
2) Real-Life Examples are Crucial: Practical examples and case studies enhance understanding and relevance, making the training more impactful.
3) Focus on AI: AI is a topic of great interest; future trainings should delve deeper into its applications, offering advanced modules for those seeking more in-depth knowledge.
4) Customizable Content: Training materials should be flexible to meet the diverse needs of participants, ensuring relevance to their specific business contexts.
5) Enhanced Engagement Strategies: Attracting participants can be challenging, but once engaged, they are highly active and interested. Effective marketing and outreach strategies are essential to boost initial enrollment.