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Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Rural Serbia: The "She’s Next" Initiative by Visa and Trag Foundation

Best practices

06 February 2025

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Rural Serbia: The "She’s Next" Initiative by Visa and Trag Foundation

Partnerships

Proximity and social economy

Buy social

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The “She’s Next” initiative, powered by Visa and implemented in Serbia through the Trag Foundation, focuses on empowering women entrepreneurs, particularly in rural areas. The program provides financial grants, mentorship, and educational resources to support women in launching or improving their businesses. A highlight of the initiative is the annual Great Educational Event, which combines workshops, networking opportunities, and a pitch competition where three entrepreneurial ideas receive €3,000 in funding. The program fosters innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development by engaging local and external stakeholders. 

Authors

Editorial Team: Diesis

Topics
Geographical descriptors

Serbia

Organisation Type

Academic/Research and VET Institutions

Company with 250 or more employees

Financial Institutions and Investors

International Organisations

Networks and Federations / Confederations

NGOs / Non-profits

SMEs (a company with less than 250 employees)

  • Thematic area

    • Partnerships

  • Interlinkages with other sectors

    • Proximity and social economy

  • Action areas and keywords

    • Buy social

    • ICP rights & workers involvement

    • Responsible (Public) Procurement

  • Ecosystem focus

    • Social economy

  • Scope of activity

    • Local/neighbourhood

    • National

    • Regional

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The "She’s Next" initiative, a collaboration between Visa and the Trag Foundation, aims to support women entrepreneurs across Serbia, with a focus on rural areas. This innovative program provides financial, educational, and mentorship resources to women looking to establish or expand their businesses.

A key feature of the initiative is the annual Great Educational Event, held in Belgrade's MTS Hall. This event gathers women entrepreneurs, business experts, and stakeholders to exchange ideas and foster collaboration. Attendees participate in specialized workshops, gain insights from renowned speakers, and explore opportunities for professional growth.

The event includes an Elevator Pitch competition, where three entrepreneurial ideas with the most potential receive €3,000 in funding. This competition not only provides financial support but also equips participants with tools and knowledge to refine their business plans.

Throughout the year, the program offers free online sessions focusing on essential entrepreneurial skills, such as financial planning, marketing, and business strategy. These sessions cater to women at various stages of their entrepreneurial journey, ensuring inclusivity and relevance.

The initiative thrives on partnerships with local and international stakeholders. It collaborates with organizations like Emerging Europe, which provides access to a regional platform featuring podcasts, interviews, and expert advice. This network enables participants to explore leadership and entrepreneurial opportunities beyond local boundaries.

Since its inception, "She’s Next" has built a community of over 10,000 women, providing them with practical tools, financial support, and a platform to share experiences. The program's innovative approach, which allows previous applicants to reapply with improved concepts, fosters continuous development and adaptability. By addressing the unique challenges faced by women in rural areas, the "She’s Next" initiative is creating a lasting impact on the entrepreneurial landscape in Serbia. With its comprehensive support system and commitment to innovation, the program is empowering women to turn their business dreams into reality. 

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