1 – How has the ‘Women with Big Dreams’ training shaped your perspective on women entrepreneurship?
The ‘Women with Big Dreams’ training has been a transformative experience for me, significantly shaping my perspective on women entrepreneurship. Throughout the program, I have gained valuable insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women entrepreneurs, also inspired me to be a vocal advocate for women’s entrepreneurship, both in my personal and professional life
2 – What have you learnt from the two entrepreneurs that came to talk to the Women with Big Dreams project? Which is the most powerful lesson learnt?
Listening to the experiences shared by the two entrepreneurs who visited the Women with Big Dreams project was incredibly enlightening and inspiring. For me the second speaker had a huge impact. She showed that with determination and a plan we can achieve everything, a closed door opens another one. She had a clear purpose helping his autistic son by creating a better environment for him and for other kids like him. For for me this is an act of strength , courage and is really inspiring.
3 – What will you do now in your community to foster women entrepreneurship and/or help young women in need to become empowered through entrepreneurship?
Empowered by the ‘Women with Big Dreams’ training and the inspiring stories of successful entrepreneurs, I am committed to taking concrete actions in my community to foster women entrepreneurship and empower young women. Here are some practical examples of what I plan to do:
- Create networking events: Networking is a crucial aspect of entrepreneurship. I will arrange networking events where women entrepreneurs can connect with each other, potential investors, and industry professionals. Such events will help build a robust support system and encourage collaboration among entrepreneurs.
- Partner with educational institutions
- Establish a mentorship program: I will collaborate with local business leaders and professionals to create a mentorship program specifically tailored to young women interested in entrepreneurship. Mentors can offer guidance, share experiences, and provide support to help these aspiring entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting and growing their businesses.
I am grateful for such experience and for all amazing people I have met through this program.
MIHAELA
1 – How has the ‘Women with Big Dreams’ training shaped your perspective on women entrepreneurship?
I realized we will only see a bigger change in business and gender pay gap, only if
more women get into leading positions as business owners, CEO or CFO’s. Slowly,
but shortly we are heading in this direction and there are already many successful
businesswomen, like former tennis player Maria Sharapova, and Italian blogger
Chiara Ferragni.
I also gained perspective, despite stereotypes, according to the stock performance of
500 of the largest companies. The 32 companies that have women as CEOs have
significantly outperformed the companies run by men. Over the past 10 years, the
difference in returns is 384% from female-led companies vs. 261% from male-led
companies. As a woman this also gives me a significant sense of hope and courage
to pursue my future dreams as an entrepreneur.
2 – What have you learnt from the two entrepreneurs that came to talk to the Women with Big Dreams project? Which is the most powerful lesson learnt?
Biggest lesson for me from both entrepreneurs was to work hard and don’t give up. Even if you have the perfect business idea and funding it will take a lot of energy, finances and time to get a business profiting. Just like stock market business can have its ups and downs, and as time changes, so do business growth opportunities. If you really are passionate about something, you have to gain experience either on your own or in a company, but the most important step is just to start going in one direction.
3 – What will you do now in your community to foster women entrepreneurship and/or help young women in need to become empowered through entrepreneurship?
In my community with four friends, we recently got funding for a Solidarity Project to
educate youth about Erasmus+ opportunities, youth exchanges, training, internships
and university exchanges, called “Go Erasmus”. I hope to include my gained public
speaking and marketing skills in this venture and allow teenagers also from a local
youth center take part in these activities by making posters and newsletters too.
The best way to support more businesses owned by women is to shop for more local
and handcrafted pieces or products, like hand made jewelry or locally grown food
and honey. There are many websites, where you can find original art pieces and
other products made by women like Etsy.com. I also will do more research, support
and follow bigger woman-owned companies, designers and artists in my country and
abroad, like Cloudberry planners, Amoralle nightgowns, and Tala activewear.
ANETE
