Communication Skills Course Concludes for EWA Programme Participants
The intensive Communication Skills Course for EWA Programme participants successfully concluded this weekend. Delivered through the collaborative efforts of EIT Food and the Inicijativa organization, this practice-oriented training - now in its fourth edition - has equipped participants with the vital tools needed to foster confidence, clarity, and professional communication skills as they continue to grow their businesses.
Through a strong partnership with the Inicijativa organization, EIT Food launched the "She Speaks AgriBiz Communication Skills course." This valuable training gathered women EWA Programme mentees from 13 countries to teach them essential communication skills and boost their confidence, ultimately helping their agrifood businesses expand quickly.
A Month of Learning, Growth and Connection
This year’s Communication Skills course consisted of 8 workshop days across 4 weekends, with participants attending intensive 3-hour sessions from Friday to Saturday. Over 60 mentees from 13 countries were divided into groups based on their English proficiency and communication needs, ensuring personalized, effective learning pathways.
The programme blended practical English, professional communication training, leadership development, and continuous AI-powered support - creating a unique environment for skills uplift and cross-regional networking.
Course Modules Overview
Over four weekends, participants completed an intensive programme designed to strengthen their communication, leadership, branding and pitching skills.
Weekend 1 — Business Communication & Presentation
Participants practiced business small talk, formal email writing, effective presentation techniques, and role-playing difficult conversations, with a focus on storytelling and empathy in professional communication.
Weekend 2 — Marketing, Branding & Visibility
This module covered branding principles, personal narrative development, social media for entrepreneurs, and creative tasks based on cultural and professional identity.
Weekend 3 — Leadership & Personal Impact
Mentees explored leadership styles, public speaking, persuasive communication, and confidence-building strategies, along with an emotional resilience mini-module and the reflective activity “What Keeps Me Energised.
Weekend 4 — Financial Literacy & Pitching Practice
The final weekend introduced key financial concepts for early-stage founders, followed by pitch creation, pitch simulations with feedback, and the visual identity exercise “My Leadership Portrait.”
Teachers’ Reflections
The Communication Skills course was shaped not only by its content, but also by the passion and dedication of the trainers who guided participants through each module. Their reflections highlight the collaborative spirit, motivation and ambition of the women entrepreneurs taking part in the EWA Programme.
Marko Matas
Marko shared that being a teacher trainer in this EWA course was an inspiring and meaningful experience. Conversations about leadership, well-being, and team management reinforced for him the importance of shared learning and genuine connection. “I am beyond happy that I was able to teach, learn from, and grow alongside them.”
Andreas
Reflecting on the Business Communication module, Andreas expressed his appreciation for the group’s engagement and openness. “It was great to share experiences and teach useful English phrases for introductions and company presentations. I truly enjoyed hearing your solutions on how to promote business growth!”
Sean Honan
Sean highlighted the dynamic and insightful discussions during the Marketing, Branding & Visibility module. “These amazing women operate at a high level of English and business understanding. It’s inspiring to help them refine how they communicate their unique value and vision.”
“What really inspired me was how determined these women are to make their communities better and healthier places to live. They come from a variety of backgrounds, but they instantly connect, support one another and collaborate.”
More News from EIT Food North & East
