Empowering Women in Business

The project aimed to empower women living in Tbilisi and rural areas through economic and social empowerment. The overall objective was to enhance women's effective engagement in the decision-making process through advocating their relevant need-based reforms on the municipal level. The project's specific objectives were to economically empower women living in rural areas through raising entrepreneurial skills and knowledge, and to enhance women's engagement in the decision-making process and advocating their needs on the municipal level. To achieve these objectives, AYEG implemented the planned milestones, including conducting capacity-building training sessions in women entrepreneurship. The training sessions were conducted by business trainers who adapted existing training materials "Women in Business" to the targeted group's needs and requirements. The training course "Women Entrepreneurship" aimed to develop women-owned businesses, enabling them to plan efficient and profitable activities and achieve preliminary set goals. The training sessions included 11 modules, covering topics such as the spirit of entrepreneurship, business registration, business planning, management, risk management, marketing, information analysis, taxes, financial reporting, and fundraising. The four-day business training was conducted in Tbilisi for a group of 19 participants from Tbilisi and the regions. Apart from theoretical knowledge, participants participated in group works and business simulations, which provided them with practical experience in making decisions and dealing with the consequences of those decisions in a safe environment. The business simulation was highly interactive and well-praised by the participants. The participants also completed pre- and post-tests, which demonstrated an average 34% increase in knowledge among the participants. The training participants populated business plan templates in groups and presented the results to the trainers and other participants, which will help them apply for financial support from the state or international donors. The project staff conducted outreach meetings in municipalities to select participants for the training sessions. The mobilization specialist and project manager conducted six outreach meetings in municipalities, inviting women entrepreneurs and those who wanted to start a business. A total of 20 participants were selected, with 10 from Tbilisi and 10 from the regions. The training sessions were designed and conducted according to AYEG's established internal standards, which ensure high-quality deliverables. The integrated learning methodology used in the training sessions provided participants with the opportunity to engage actively in the learning process, think critically, and analyze concrete examples and learning by doing. The training curriculum was designed specifically for women entrepreneurs, considering their specific needs and requirements.