Introduction
The Empowered Impact exchange was a significant initiative aimed at fostering collaboration between PeerEx’s SLOAM, Empow’her, and local organizations focused on empowering women entrepreneurs. The primary goal was to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in entrepreneurship programs, particularly those with a focus on women. The exchange not only highlighted existing support structures but also paved the way for innovative initiatives that can enhance the entrepreneurial landscape for women.
Highlights of the Exchange
Sarajevo: Launch of Facilities for Women Entrepreneurs
In Sarajevo, the opening of new facilities dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs was a pivotal event. Organised by Empow’her in collaboration with Žene za žene, these spaces were designed to provide essential resources such as workspaces, mentorship, and training programs. SLOAM’s Nina Bavčar Čargo emphasized that the event garnered significant attention from local women entrepreneurs, offering ample networking opportunities and the chance to share valuable experiences.
During the facility tour, discussions regarding potential future collaborations were fruitful. Notably, the idea of organizing a hackathon specifically for young women entrepreneurs emerged, aimed at empowering their contributions to the startup ecosystem.
Ljubljana: Insights from SLOAM
The exchange continued in Ljubljana, where Empow’her’s Chiara Febbraro explored the operations of Impact Hub Ljubljana, co-founded by SLOAM and other NGOs. This visit focused on understanding ongoing activities such as the Social Impact Award (SIA) and the governance model of their co-working space. The tour provided essential insights into co-working dynamics, highlighting the importance of tailoring spaces to meet diverse user needs. Sustainability practices were also emphasised, showcasing how operational strategies can align with broader social and environmental goals.
Conversations with key stakeholders provided practical takeaways for structuring operations in a collaborative environment. A particularly enlightening moment was meeting a past winner of the SIA, who underscored the importance of accessible mentorship throughout the entrepreneurial journey.
Testimonials and Experiences
Participants from both organisations shared their experiences and reflections on the exchange. Nina expressed the necessity for SLOAM to develop a program tailored specifically for women, given the insights and connections made during the visits. Chiara emphasized how SLOAM’s impact-driven approach could influence Empow’her’s programs, not only in Bosnia and Herzegovina but across various regions.
Outcomes and Next Steps
Recommendations
The exchange laid a solid foundation for future collaborations, emphasising the importance of tailored infrastructure to support women entrepreneurs. Key recommendations include:
- Development of Women-Only Initiatives: A hackathon for women entrepreneurs was proposed, allowing participants to address specific business challenges and develop innovative solutions.
- Strengthening Collaborations: Increased collaboration between local and international partners was suggested to foster a supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs.
Conclusion
The Empowered Impact exchange was a remarkable step forward in supporting women entrepreneurs in Sarajevo and Ljubljana. By sharing knowledge, insights, and best practices, SLOAM and Empow’her have set the stage for sustainable development in women’s entrepreneurship. This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration and the importance of creating supportive infrastructures that empower women in their entrepreneurial journeys. As the organizations move forward, the commitment to fostering an inclusive and impactful entrepreneurial ecosystem will remain at the forefront of their mission.
