EBRD launches workshop supports Azerbaijan women entrepreneurs to develop business skills

Baku. 12 May. REPORT.AZ/ With funding from EU and Sweden EBRD, four day workshop was organized for women entrepreneurs who want to develop their entrepreneurial skills and use the leadership techniques to make their businesses a long-term success. On 12 May 2016, sixteen women entrepreneurs representing various sectors of the economy attended the second session of the workshop, Report was told at the EBRD Azerbaijan office. 

“EBRD works hard to help women entrepreneurs unlock their potential, strengthen their skills and encourage their participation in business. We offer practical trainings for women to develop essential entrepreneurial and leadership skills therefore helping them turn their ventures into durable businesses.” says Jeff Ferry, Associate Director, EBRD Advice for Small Businesses, South Caucasus and Russian Federation.

The workshop is a part of the EBRD’s Women in Business programme, funded by European Union, Sweden and the Early Transition Countries Fund. Over €50 million will be made available from the EBRD for credit lines channelled through partner financial institutions for on-lending to women-led SMEs. This is combined with €9 million in donor funding, enabling risk mitigation funds and technical assistance to partner banks, as well as business advice, training and mentoring for women entrepreneurs.

Since starting work in Azerbaijan in 1993, the EBRD has helped over 800 enterprises access consulting know-how to help them develop and grow. 

The European Union has provided €3.7 million to support this work in Azerbaijan since 2003 and Swedish International Development Agency contributes 47 million Swedish Kronorto the development of women entrepreneurship in Eastern Partnership Countries.