The EEN2EIC – CBC “Women-led and Startup CBC Innovation Workshop” held on November 21, 2023, was a pivotal event, bringing together a diverse group of participants eager to explore opportunities within the European Innovation Council (EIC) network. Organized by the EEN2EIC Consortium Innovation Leader Kosovo (Prishtina REA) in collaboration with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in Kosovo, Albania, and North Macedonia, the workshop aimed to empower and connect women-led and startup enterprises.

Mrs. Vlora Avdiu Burani, EBRD Analyst, SME F&D, Kosovo (Advisory), warmly welcomed the participants, setting the tone for an interactive and collaborative session. She emphasized the workshop’s significance in fostering innovation and collaboration among women-led and startup enterprises and provided a comprehensive overview of the EBRD/SME F&D program, highlighting its role in supporting the growth and development of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Mr. Ahmet Jetullahu Meti, as the EEN2EIC Consortium Innovation Leader Coordinator, led a session outlining the path ahead for participants within the EEN2EIC program. He elucidated the diverse opportunities for women-led and startup enterprises, encouraging active participation and engagement. The presentation sparked insightful discussions on the challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs in the region. 

Mr. Stefano Sbarbati and Mr. Frederik Bischler from Steinbeis Europa Zentrum/EEN2EIC provided valuable insights into the EEN2EIC project and shared best practices from the EIC Accelerator. The presentation included success stories, showcasing the transformative impact of EIC support on startups and women-led enterprises.  

Mr. Ahmet Jetullahu Meti and Mr. Besart Hajrizi presented the EIC Accelerator Guideline and facilitated an engaging workshop session where participants actively debated and raised questions. The interactive exercise involved discussions on evaluation criteria, concept idea development, consortia composing, and CBC (Cross-Border Cooperation) networking. Participants were encouraged to share their experiences and challenges, fostering a collaborative atmosphere. This session allowed for further interactions, collaboration, and the exchange of contact information, creating a foundation for future collaborations toward successful and innovative proposals.