Reducing the environmental footprint of Female Entrepreneurship

"<< Background >>We applied for the ""WomEn Going Greener"" project to address a critical gap in the intersection of gender, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. As WEnCoop—a women-led energy cooperative—we recognized that while green transition policies and practices are gaining momentum across Europe, female entrepreneurs and women-led SMEs remain underrepresented in this shift. They often lack access to:•Green skills and sustainability training•Practical tools and resources for reducing environmental footprint•Policy support and visibility in the green economyThe project was designed to empower women entrepreneurs by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and support systems needed to adopt sustainable business practices. We aimed to bridge the gender gap in the green transition and promote inclusive, environmentally responsible entrepreneurship across Greece, Italy, and Serbia.<< Objectives >>The main achievements of the Women Going Greener poject include:1.the development of green skills and competences among female entrepreneurs, managers, and executives.2.the creation of innovative and accessible training materials on sustainable business practices.3.fostering capacity building through a transnational training program.4.supporting the greening of women-led SMEs by providing practical guidance and tools.5.influencing policy by producing a Policy Recommendation Paper to enhance the green transition environment for female SMEs.6.raising awareness at local, national, and European levels about the importance of gender-inclusive green entrepreneurship.<< Implementation >>The main achievements of the Women Going Greener project are: #A set of 6 Training Modules including innovative training materials in subject areas such as the mentality, reasons for and ways of going greener, the advantages of reducing environmental footpring, and financing opportunities. #Capacity Building (Training Activity - 5 day event in Greece) among 15 female entrepreneurs, managers and executives from the 3 partner countries. # Female SMEs Going Greener Action Plan - a practical guide with specific actions, good practices and legal framework for female SMEs and entrepreneurs. # Hybrid Hackathon with 60 participants debating policy recommendations for female SMEs. # A Policy Recommendation Paper for creating an environment that enhances the greening of female SMEs.<< Results >>-1 Management and Coordination Plan for the Project ensuring its efficient execution. - 9 Bimonthly Online Meetings -1 Quality Assurance Plan setting the standards for the quality assurance and monitoring of the project -3 Interim Reports – one from each partner - stating the allocation of budget and the amount already used -1 Manual of Implementation for the development of training materials -6 Focus Groups with 60 participants (female entrepreneurs, executives and/or managers) -6 Training Modules in text format and ppt format -1 LTTA (5 days duration including 2 travel days) with 15 participants from 3 partner countries -3 National reports mapping the current situation - 30 interviews with female entrepreneurs, that have taken action into going greener -15 experts / evaluators involved in evaluating the draft Action Plan -1 Action Plan including practical tools and methods -1 hybrid Hackathon with 30 in-person participants and 30 online participants -1 Policy Recommendation Paper -2 Transnational Partners Meetings -1 project website and 1 Project Facebook Account, 3 Newsletters, templates, flyer, roll-up banner -8 Evaluation reports (2 TPMs, Project Results, LTTA event, Training Modules, Hackathon, Interim and Final)"