Connect to Success (C2S) was launched by the U.S. Embassy in Portugal, this initiative supports women-owned businesses through an MBA consulting program, corporate mentoring, and skills-based workshops. The program collaborates with MBA programs to match students with women-owned businesses for consulting projects. It also facilitates mentoring relationships between corporate leaders and entrepreneurs, alongside skills-based workshops tailored to address challenges like access to financial and human capital. The program improved business skills, strengthened professional networks, and enhanced access to capital for women entrepreneurs. Many participating businesses reported growth in revenue and market reach. It is highly adaptable to other regions. Requires partnerships between educational institutions, corporate entities, and women’s business networks.
Women & Wealth Conference is organized by Portuguese Women in Tech in collaboration with Natixis, this annual conference promotes financial literacy among women through interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. The conference features sessions on personal finance, investment strategies, and entrepreneurial finance. It invites industry leaders and successful female entrepreneurs to share insights and inspire attendees. The event enhanced financial literacy and confidence among women, encouraging them to invest and take control of their financial futures.
StartUp Voucher, aimed at young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35, provides financial and technical support to develop innovative business ideas, including monthly subsidies to facilitate the creation of startups. The program offers a monthly stipend, technical mentorship, and access to coworking spaces to young entrepreneurs during the development phase of their startups. It also includes workshops and pitch events to help participants refine their ideas and secure further investment. It facilitated the creation of numerous innovative companies led by young entrepreneurs, contributing to job creation and economic growth. The program requires robust startup ecosystems.
Social Impact Bonds (SIBS) is under the Portugal Social Innovation Initiative. SIBs utilize European Social Fund (ESF) resources to finance social innovation and entrepreneurship projects. Private investors fund initiatives and receive returns based on achieved outcomes. Projects are selected based on their potential for social impact, with funding linked to measurable outcomes. The government facilitates partnerships between private investors and project implementers, ensuring transparency and accountability. The program increased private investment in social innovation projects, including those supporting women entrepreneurs. Demonstrated measurable improvements in target outcomes like job creation and community development.
The Inspiring Women Early-Stage Investors Project is led by Investors Portugal. This project empowers women entrepreneurs by enhancing soft skills, fostering leadership opportunities, and improving access to investment funds. The initiative offers focused workshops on topics like leadership, negotiation, and accessing venture capital. It also connects participants with experienced investors through networking events and mentorship programs. It enhances women’s role in entrepreneurship by addressing the specific challenges they face in accessing capital and leadership opportunities. The project improved access to investment funds, strengthened leadership skills, and increased representation of women.
