On December 1, 2023, Trentino will host the closing event of "Territorial Development: Women's Dimension," an intriguing cross-border project aimed at promoting female entrepreneurship in the Trentino, Alto Adige, and Tyrol regions.
This initiative, born during Trentino's presidency of the Euregio 2021-2023, has garnered significant interest across all three territories, with over 100 participation applications submitted and numerous creative ideas ready to be transformed into entrepreneurial activities. For this reason, Invest In Trentino retraces the journey of one of the most acclaimed Euregio 2023 initiatives.
Empowering the Talent of Women Entrepreneurs
This initiative emerged from the need to strengthen and enhance the role of women within the business realm, based on findings from the study "Female Entrepreneurship in the Euregio."
Structured as a bilingual educational program, the project engaged women entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs from the Euregio territories with the goal of facilitating the exchange of experiences and best practices. It aimed to create educational opportunities, disseminate entrepreneurial values among the female population, and increase awareness of the importance of having more innovative female-led businesses.
From May to October, participants undertook a 47-hour educational journey, curated by the Accademia d’Impresa. This journey involved in-person meetings and individual lessons, including online sessions. Beyond delving into crucial topics such as strategy, business planning, leadership, and economic and financial aspects, these gatherings served as invaluable networking opportunities, allowing aspiring and new women entrepreneurs to connect and build relationships.
Education, Networking, and Four Prizes at Stake
Following the phase dedicated to acquiring new skills, the Euregio project is nearing its conclusion. The final event, scheduled for Friday, December 1 in Trento, will include the awarding of four prizes outlined in the call for applications.
The top two projects in each category, "female-owned businesses" and "aspiring female entrepreneurs of female-owned businesses," will receive financial support of €13,000 and €7,000, respectively.
A panel of experts will evaluate the final submissions by the candidates, focusing on the following criteria:
- Clarity of the vision, company mission, and guiding values.
- Competitiveness of the business model.
- Economic efficiency of the project.
- The entrepreneur's evolution within the company.
- Impact on regional development, including collaborations, circular economy, sustainability, and inclusivity.
In addition to cash prizes, the winners will benefit from marketing and promotion on the websites of the Euregio's regional authorities. They will also have the opportunity for incubation in dedicated facilities, accompanied by coaching services to refine their business ideas.
Euregio Women's Dimension: Don't Miss the Award Event
The award event, open to the public with prior registration, will take place on Friday, December 1 at 17:30 in the Representative Hall of the Palazzo della Regione in Trento.
Adding to the evening's luster will be Francesca Reich, a Trentino-born manager with a distinguished career in business development and a longstanding commitment to various activities promoting the creation of a modern and inclusive society.
Francesca Reich | CEO - Digital & Innovation - Transformation Expert - Board Advisor
A mentor for STEM women, founder and investor at AngelsForWomen - an association for the development of female entrepreneurship. Former CEO and General Manager of the Poligrafico and Zecca dello Stato, Francesca Reich embodies the digital and entrepreneurial spirit essential for developing innovative and sustainable projects. She is an internationally trained manager with a wealth of experience in business development, strategic innovation, and process innovation. She has been involved in high-tech sectors related to digital and big data, as well as in the design and marketing of new products/services since the early 2000s.
