GRANDIS
Overview
Country:
Greece
Level of Outreach:
National
Field of Interest(s):
Promotion of the attractiveness of the Construction Industry (e.g. promoting diversity and gender equality, increasing youth participation and apprenticeships, enhancing career paths and mobility within the sector, raising awareness of the sector), Transversal skills (health and safety, soft skills, entrepreneurial skills, etc.) (e.g. enhance communication and conflict resolution within conflict teams, improving time management, problem-solving and critical thinking within construction teams)
Supported By:
EU
Description
The GRANDIS project aims to unlock the potential of female entrepreneurs and female-led SMEs in the twin-transition sectors of green and digital technologies, an area where they are currently underrepresented.
Project/Initiative Data
Start Date:
April 1, 2024
End Date:
June 30, 2028
Total Budget:
1,615,424 €
What makes this project/initiative unique?:
It identifies the training needs for developing adequate programs in respect of trasversal skills, promotion and attractiveness of construction industry, energy efficiency, digitalization, green and sustainable construction
Aim
Women’s Entrepreneurship Academy is a 3-month annual online programme by Women Do Business, a non-profit based in Crete. It empowers women especially in rural and remote areas, where training and networks are limited, to start and grow sustainable businesses. Each cycle draws over 200 applicants, with 50+ selected participants, primarily women aged 34+, that balance multiple roles (entrepreneur, employee, caregiver, mother). The programme is tailored to their needs, ensuring relevance and impact. Weekly two-hour webinars are delivered by expert trainers across three pillars: Empowerment, Leadership, Implementation. Topics include business planning, financial literacy, marketing, digital skills, and sustainable entrepreneurship. The Academy supports twin transition by strengthening digital competences (e-commerce, online tools, digital marketing) and promoting environmental responsibility through resource efficiency, circular economy and climate-friendly practices. Online delivery also reduces its environmental footprint. Participants are encouraged to explore opportunities in eco-tourism, agri-tech, retail, gastronomy, the arts and renewable energy, where female-led startups can drive local green innovation. Preference is given to social and green enterprises. Aligned with EU, UN and regional strategies for digitalisation, climate action and sustainable growth, the Academy showcases how women’s entrepreneurship contributes to inclusive growth and sustainable development.
Target Groups:
The programme design, balancing practical business skills with broader personal development, pays particular attention to relevance to women who often juggle multiple roles as professionals, caregivers, and community members. The Academy stands out for its deep understanding of women’s specific needs and barriers, offering flexible learning formats and accessible content that enable participation regardless of location or prior experience. By creating an encouraging and collaborative learning space, it empowers women to recognise their strengths, overcome limiting beliefs, and translate ideas into viable ventures with commercial, social and environmental value. The model’s online format, scalable structure, and modular content make it highly transferable to other European regions, especially in rural settings. NGOs and business support organisations can adapt the approach with modest resources, tailoring this flexible needs-based model to local contexts.
Outcomes
Results of the project/initiative:
The Academy has run 5 editions with 100% graduation (400 women). Each cycle generates 2–4 new businesses during the program; 15 ventures have been launched in tourism, retail, gastronomy, and arts. About 85–90% have social or green impact, while 60–70% operate in the digital sector. Surveys confirm stronger skills, networks, and confidence. One graduate noted: “I realised my limiting beliefs and started planning my business direction, strengths, and first steps".
Replication of Good Practice
Career moves, Training/skills, Social inclusion, Entrepreneurship/SMEs Opportunities
Organisation & Contact
Organisation:
Civil Society Organization/NGO
| Name of Organisation | WOMEN DO BUSINESS |
|---|---|
| Town/City | Crete |
| Coordinator Website | https://womendobusiness.eu/ |