January – June 2024
Dear readers, partners and friends
We are excited to share the progress of the G-FEB project for the first half of 2024! Our mission is to foster green entrepreneurship and sustainability skills among female entrepreneurs in the Balkan region through innovative and tailored Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs. This initiative unites eight organizations from seven countries, aiming to address key regional challenges such as unemployment, skill mismatches and a lack of green initiatives, while empowering women to lead in the green economy. In the first six months of implementation, the G-FEB project (Green Transition of Female Entrepreneurs in the Balkan Region) was successfully promoted by all partner organizations SYNDESMOS EPICHERIMATION GYNAIKON ELLADAS (SEGE), ALBANIA ASSOCIATION OF INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENTALISTS (AAIE), ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS WOMEN – BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA, ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS WOMEN – NORTH MACEDONIA, BUSINESS WOMEN ASSOCIATION – MONTENEGRO, TURKEY WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS ASSOCIATION (KAGIDER) and BEST INSTITUT FÜR BERUFSBEZOGENE WEITERBILDUNG UND PERSONALTRAINING – AUSTRIA.
Through various activities, events and collaborations, we are strengthening the connection between the VET sector and the labor market, supporting female entrepreneurs and promoting sustainable practices across the region. Here’s a look at some of our milestones and achievements for the first six months.
We are thrilled to announce that on January 30 2024, our project assistant, Elena Kopanarova, representing the G-FEB project applicant SEGE had the honor of participating in the Kick-off meeting for the Erasmus+ Capacity Building for Vocational Education and Training (CB-VET). This significant event, organized digitally by EACEA, provided a platform to present the G-FEB project and its objectives. Our team showcased our commitment to enhancing vocational education and training while highlighting the importance of green entrepreneurship and sustainability skills. We are incredibly proud of this opportunity and remain excited about the positive impact our project will bring to the region.
A SUCCESSFUL TRANSNATIONAL MEETING ANNOUNCED THE START OF ACTIVITIES WITHIN THE G-FEB PROJECT
In February 2024, the G-FEB consortium officially kicked off activities with a transnational meeting hosted by AAIE Albania in Tirana. Partners gathered to discuss project goals, strategies, and initial activities focused on enhancing VET systems and green entrepreneurship. This event set the stage for collaborative efforts and strengthened connections among partner organizations.
📖 Read more: Click here
In February 2024, the G-FEB project team launched a survey aimed at gathering insights from women entrepreneurs working in the green sector. This survey, part of our Erasmus+ funded initiative, is designed to better understand the barriers and challenges faced by women in the industry, as well as the opportunities they encounter.
The data collected will play a vital role in shaping training and support programs tailored to the specific needs of women in the green sector. The survey was made available in six languages—Albanian, Greek, Turkish, Bosnian, Macedonian, and Montenegrin—ensuring accessibility for participants across the region.
In April 2024, discussions in North Macedonia highlighted the transformative role of women in green entrepreneurship. Emphasis was placed on investing in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and supporting green business ventures. This initiative not only promotes economic growth but also underscores the importance of women’s leadership in sustainable development.
Also, in April the G-FEB project was proudly presented to women entrepreneurs in Tirana, Albania. This event introduced the project as an additional service of WECA (Women Entrepreneurs in Cooperation Association). Participants were informed about the project’s objectives and activities and several organizations operating as training providers were invited to complete the questionnaire prepared for the study of the country report . The event was a key step in strengthening connections with local stakeholders and gathering valuable input for the project.
The same month Association of Business Women in Bosnia and Herzegovina actively promoted the G-FEB project at a key event in Novo Sarajevo. The project was presented during the event titled “Improvement of the entrepreneurial environment of the municipality of Novo Sarajevo” which focused on fostering entrepreneurial growth within this very important municipality. This presentation allowed participants to learn about the goals and objectives of the G-FEB project, with an emphasis on its potential to support women entrepreneurs and foster green practices in their businesses.
In May 2024, AAIE promoted the G-FEB project during a series of meetings with women entrepreneurs, Women Municipality Council members and municipal duty bearers responsible for women’s socio-economic integration. These events were organized under the framework of another AAIE initiative, “Women Socio-Economic Integration” and served to introduce the G-FEB project as a key tool for empowering women entrepreneurs.
Three meetings were held in different regions of Albania with approximately 20 participants at each event. These meetings enabled women entrepreneurs to connect with the project, learn about its goals, and provide feedback on challenges and opportunities in green entrepreneurship. By the end of May a total of 80 women entrepreneurs had participated in these activities and additional meetings are planned for other cities in Albania later in 2024.
In June 2024, Austria not only hosted a session on the importance of green skills but also shone a spotlight on the thriving ecosystem for female entrepreneurs in Vienna. Did you know that 42% of Vienna’s founders are female, and 35% of startups have at least one female co-founder? These impressive numbers represent a significant leap from just a few years ago!
Thanks to initiatives like those by the Vienna Business Agency, which offers bonuses for projects led by women and addresses unconscious bias, Vienna is becoming a hub for diverse, sustainable, and economically successful businesses. Vienna’s proactive approach serves as an inspiring example for green entrepreneurship in the Balkan region, showcasing how targeted support and policy initiatives can drive innovation and inclusivity.
📖 Read more about female entrepreneurs in Austria: Click here
In June 2024, UPŽ BiH continued to actively promote the G-FEB project through two significant workshops focused on circular economy and women’s leadership. The first workshop, held in Hadžići Canton Sarajevo, introduced the G-FEB project to women entrepreneurs within the context of circular economy principles. This session aimed to empower participants with knowledge and tools to integrate sustainable practices into their businesses.
Later that month, G-FEB project was presented at a workshop hosted at Europe House in Sarajevo. This event was part of the “EMPOWER – ENCIRCLE” project, which highlights the potential of women leaders in the circular economy across Southeastern Europe. The workshop brought together key stakeholders to discuss international cooperation and green initiatives, providing an excellent platform to showcase the G-FEB project’s contributions. These June activities have significantly increased the visibility of the G-FEB project among women entrepreneurs and key stakeholders in Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasizing the importance of green entrepreneurship and sustainable practices in fostering economic growth.
Upcoming Plans
Looking ahead, we aim to:
Thank You for Your Support!
We are grateful for your continued interest and support in the G-FEB project. Together, we can create a sustainable future and empower female entrepreneurs to lead the way in the green economy. Stay tuned for more updates in our next newsletter!
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Warm regards,
The G-FEB Team
ERASMUS+ Programme
S.E.G.E. is an organization with a nationwide non-profit character and is addressed to women engaged in business activity in Greece.
Olympiou Diamanti 14 P.C. 54626
Thessaloniki Greece
Email info@sege.gr
Tel. +30 2310 224440
Fax +30 2310 224475
