GIMED project joined the ‘FIT’ (Financial literacy and new business models to boost women entrepreneurship possibilities) event that took place last 9^th of February in Mataró (Barcelona). On behalf of the project, Andrea Ruzo, as Project Manager from the leading partner –the Regional Activity Centre for Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP/RAC), shared with over 40 attendees how entrepreneurs are being trained and coached across the Mediterranean region.

To do so, she shared with the participants the experience of the centre in boosting entrepreneurship and introduced TheSwitchers.org platform, a free-to-use tool under which entrepreneurs are receiving technical assistance support to develop their green business ideas. As a result, she shared the experience of Sawsan Khalif, a young female entrepreneur behind ‘Shine’, a start-up focused on natural cosmetics to tackle chemicals in Palestine that is receiving support from the ENI CBC MED project.

The FIT event was organised by Meet&Map Association. “There is a growing interest on a multilateral conversation between women entrepreneurs aiming to create their business”, shared Claudia Khalil, female entrepreneur behind the event organiser. The event also counted with the presence of Sergi Morales, City Councilor on Business Policies and Employment in the city of Mataró. “We are driving the growth of all type of economies, in particular the social and circular one”, he said.

Source: Meet&Map

An assorted group of female panellists joined the conversation

On the one hand, the Palestinian entrepreneur Naila Qalqili shared her story about how to transform realities by using laughter and games. “There is a right to joy, tender and pleasure. We are able to create something circular that connects with our heart and the human being essence”, she said.

On the other hand, Silvia Tosca (Federation of Associations and Guilds of Entrepreneurs of the Maresme), shared the importance of fighting for women rights and shared some initiatives having a positive impact in the local region. Besides, Iolanda Triviño (Valkiria Institute for Futures) focused on giving visibility to women empowerment.

The event also counted with the participation of Nuria del Val (Tecnocampus University, Entrepreneurship Area), who described the most engaging initiatives within the university ecosystem presenting circular models and incubators for start-ups. “Life must have a sense, otherwise we’re losing time. We need to generate impactful projects in the territory, this is what makes me sleep at nights”, said Esther Perelló, a woman behind the collaborative platform for entrepreneurs Fasolà i Sum Sum.

Finally, Berta Mundó from CoopMaresme, shared the aim of this network of social economy organisations focused on fostering cooperation in the city. “We support social economy projects”, she said.