SheEmpower Project to Boost Womenpreneurs in the Mediterranean

• The SheEmpower project is aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs in the Mediterranean
• The project targets problems that women encounter in business
• The project provides opportunities for development and collaboration across the Mediterranean

The SheEmpower project, named “Unleashing the Power of Women Entrepreneurs in the Mediterranean,” focuses on the problems that women encounter in their businesses by providing them with new opportunities for development and cooperation across the Mediterranean, as Anna Kosma, Publicity Manager of the Larnaca and Famagusta Districts Development Agency, explained.

During an interview with CNA, Anna stated that the project will work towards enhancing transnational cooperation, as well as knowledge and networking among organizations from Cyprus, Spain, France, Italy, Egypt, and Lebanon.

The project will also train 280 women entrepreneurs in innovation, digital transformation, and business development, as well as create the SheEmpower MED Regional Network, which will consist of 500 women entrepreneurs.

The first meeting of the project took place in early February at the Environmental Information Centre of Mountainous Larnaca in Skarinou, hosted by the Larnaca and Famagusta Districts Development Agency, which is the lead partner.

To overcome barriers to women-owned ventures, this European initiative is implementing a multi-faceted action plan comprising multiple initiatives including training and mentorship, digital competency development and creating networks for cross-border collaboration.

Among the key activities outlined by Anna are: specific training provided to 280 women entrepreneurs; a structured mentoring Programme for 140 participants; and e-business training aimed at developing the digital competency of an additional 140 women.

Also, an additional 20 women will benefit from advanced support to facilitate the launch of new businesses, along with organizing 21 cross-border business missions consisting of 21 participants.

The entire project has been broken down into five (5) work packages that will focus on expanding international cooperation, promoting the exchange of knowledge, and developing and expanding networking opportunities between partner organisations throughout the Mediterranean region.

The goal is to develop a strong regional ecosystem that encompasses a wide diversity of women entrepreneurs, leading to innovation in developing their businesses, improving their competitiveness, and contributing to the inclusive growth of the economy of the Mediterranean Region.

The SheEmpower project is being implemented through the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, a transnational cooperation project co-funded by the European Union and will have a total estimated budget of €2,747,000 of which 89 percent will be financed by the EU. The duration of the project will be 30 months and will conclude in December 2028.