Despite the significant achievements women have made in agrifood innovation across Europe, many continue to face obstacles in terms of support and visibility. The EIT Food’s Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) program seeks to address this gap. Designed for women from selected European and neighboring countries, the initiative offers a holistic approach including mentorship, networking, and funding to help participants scale their projects. By building a robust support network, EWA aims to fuel the growth of women-led businesses in the agrifood sector.
The EWA program has expanded over the years to include 13 countries, facilitating a broader reach and more inclusive opportunities for European women. Initially focusing on fewer countries, the expansion demonstrates the program’s commitment to addressing gender disparities on a larger scale. This growth reflects an increasing recognition of the vital role that women play in driving agrifood innovation, tapping into a wider pool of potential entrepreneurs eager for support.
How does EWA support its participants?
The program’s participants benefit from a comprehensive curriculum that includes online training modules and one-on-one mentorship with seasoned business and agrifood advisors. Beyond educational resources, the program also extends its support through substantial networking opportunities with over 500 mentors and female entrepreneurs. The availability of funding opportunities and access to investors further enable women to grow their initiatives into full-fledged businesses. EWA provides a nurturing environment for women to transform their agrifood projects into successful enterprises.
What are the success stories from the program?
Entrepreneurs like Débora Campos and Greta Budreike exemplify the impact of EWA’s empowerment initiatives. Campos, from AgroGrIN Tech, refined her business strategy through EWA, making significant strides in technology validation and supply chain connections. Meanwhile, Budreike utilized the program to explore cricket-based protein alternatives. Both businesses underscore the tangible benefits derived from participation in the program. Campos shared,
“EWA provided me with the tools to scale my business effectively.”
Budreike echoed this sentiment stating,
“The access to mentors and investors was invaluable in developing my product.”
The upcoming Next Bite Satellite in Warsaw marks a significant opportunity for 13 EWA Innovators, along with investors and partners, to convene. This event emphasizes dialogue, shared learning, and meaningful networking focusing on women’s leadership in agrifood innovation. Hosting panel discussions and allowing one-on-one meetings, the event aims to advance sustainable innovation and bolster gender equity. The Inspire and Empower stages are designed to facilitate actionable conversations among participants.
The initiative to enhance women’s roles in the agrifood sector is pivotal, considering past limitations in visibility and support. Similar projects have emerged globally, yet EIT Food’s program stands out through its dedication to mentorship, rigorous training, and resource accessibility. As more women engage in such initiatives, the landscape of agrifood innovation becomes more inclusive and diverse.
The significance of women’s participation in the agrifood sector is increasingly apparent as EWA continues to expand its program to various countries. Offering resources, mentorship, and networking avenues, EWA continues to empower women to drive innovation in this vital industry. These initiatives play a key role in not only advancing gender equity but also fueling broader agrifood innovations that benefit society as a whole.
