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agrifood
Empowering Women in Agrifood
Date
June to December 2025
Duration
6 months
Location
Online
Language
Portuguese
For more information, contact clara.pais@bgi.pt
Training, mentoring, business coaching and networking opportunities for women entrepreneurs in the agrifood sector. Applications for the 2025 edition are now open!
Overview
Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) is a pioneering programme led by EIT Food, dedicated to equipping women entrepreneurs in the agrifood sector with the tools they need to thrive. In our 6th year, we're excited to welcome 130 talented female entrepreneurs from 13 countries.
Through our intensive 6-month programme, participants receive comprehensive training, personalized mentoring, and exclusive networking opportunities. By the end of the programme, you'll emerge with the knowledge, confidence, and support to turn your ideas into successful, sustainable businesses. Regardless of your age, family situation, or business experience, EWA welcomes women from all backgrounds.
Join us in revolutionizing the food system and become part of a global community driving change in the agrifood industry.
Why this programme?
How Does it Work?
Online training
Embark on a 6-month journey of personalized online training, tailored to your specific needs in business and entrepreneurship. Gain access to a wealth of resources designed to enhance your skills and propel your business forward.
Mentorship & ongoing support
Receive over 20 hours of personalized mentoring from experts in business, agrifood, and successful entrepreneurship. As a bonus, access the EIT Food Startup Guide, an invaluable resource offered to you completely free of charge.
Power of community
Immerse yourself in a vibrant community of like-minded entrepreneurs. Participate in exclusive entrepreneurship and networking events alongside high-level stakeholders. With access to our EWA Community, connect with over 500 mentors and female entrepreneurs, tapping into a network that spans the entire agrifood ecosystem.
Funding opportunities
Unlock the potential for financial growth with EWA. Take advantage of funding opportunities with prizes of €10,000 and €5,000 available per country. Gain access to EIT Food programmes, connect with investors, and build corporate partnerships to elevate your business to new heights.
What makes it unique?
- Sector specific: It’s the only one fully dedicated to agrifood systems.
- Pan-European exposure: Access to international networks while receiving hands-on, local support.
- Focus on women as entrepreneurs in a male-dominated sector.
- Truly accessible and inclusive: also welcoming first-time founders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in EWA?
To be eligible to participate in Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA), individuals must meet the following criteria:
a. Identify as a woman,
b. Be a resident of, and for startup representatives, have a company registered in Albania, Estonia, Greece, Italy, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Türkiye or Ukraine, with excellent or native proficiency in the local language,
c. Have an interest in and a preliminary commitment to attending programme activities, trainings, and events,
d. If running a business, have the company registered for a maximum of 3 years,e. If there has been prior investment for the development of the idea, the total investment received should be less than 60,000 Euros.
How long is the EWA programme?
The EWA programme spans a duration of 6 months, starting from June and concluding in December. During this time, participants engage in a series of activities including mentoring, training sessions, and pitching events, culminating in a final international event in December.
What are the benefits of participating in EWA?
Participating in the Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) programme offers numerous benefits, including:
-Access to tailored mentoring and training sessions designed to enhance entrepreneurial skills and business knowledge.
-Networking opportunities with industry experts, fellow entrepreneurs, and potential investors.
-Potential funding opportunities to support business growth and development.
-Exposure to a supportive community of like-minded women in the agrifood sector.
-Participation in pitching events and international showcases to showcase business ideas on a global stage.
-Guidance and support to navigate challenges and overcome obstacles in launching and scaling a successful agrifood business.
How are participants selected for the programme?
The selection process for EWA programme participants involves evaluating applications by an external panel of evaluators and representatives from CLC NE and CLC South. Applications are assessed based on eligibility criteria and ranked on a 5-star scale across five key areas. For more details on the selection process, please refer to the full Terms and Conditions document on the Application Process Page.
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