Faculty of Economics, University of Rijeka with the full financial support of the US Embassy in Zagreb, the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs in Croatia. This year, for the first time, she is enrolling the first generation of students.
About the program
In 2019, the programme was launched by the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and implemented worldwide. The aim of the program is to empower women and provide them with knowledge and information on how to start or increase their business. In addition, the goal is to network entrepreneurs with those individuals who can help them in the local community with their many years of experience and expertise. Since its launch, the programme has spread to nearly 100 countries and helped over 25,000 women. The program is a lifelong learning program and is completely free for students. It is intended for participants who have started formal or informal business and encountered obstacles and stopped on their entrepreneurial path.
Activities
The programme consists of two types of activities. One group of activities consists of lectures on the online platform Dreambuilder. The lectures are focused in 13 units and each one is dedicated to one segment of the work of women entrepreneurs. In addition, a free business plan design form and many other tools that can be useful in everyday business are offered. Students listen to the material of the lecture at a personal pace, at a time and in a way that suits them best. Lectures are in English.
The second group of activities corresponds to the specifics of the Croatian environment of female entrepreneurs. Each participant in the application specifies the goal and description of the problem they face in business. Based on the application, the student connects with a mentor who has entrepreneurial experience in this field of work. During the six-month duration of the program, on a monthly basis, the mentor follows the participant in overcoming her obstacles and gives support in critical moments. In addition, thematic meetings with reputable entrepreneurs are held on topics that pose challenges for students. Lecturers and mentors are experts from entrepreneurs, students of academic and professional exchange and training programs in the USA, i.e. U.S. Exchange Alumni and university professors. Mentoring and thematic meetings take place in Croatian.
Duration
The program starts in January 2024. Opening ceremony at the Faculty of Economics in Rijeka with a two-day event that will instruct the participants in the entire project. The completion of the programme is also scheduled for mid-June 2024 at the Faculty of Economics in Rijeka, at the award ceremony for the completion of the programme. The costs of accommodation for participants in Rijeka during the opening and ceremonies are covered by the funds obtained for the implementation of the project.
Students' applications are received at on-line form,
a More information on the programme and the application can be found at the Program Website.
