Third edition of EWA programme promises new opportunities for Czech women entrepreneurs
EIT Food, in collaboration with cats2cats z.s., has launched the 2024 Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) programme in the Czech Republic for the third time. This initiative aims to support ten women entrepreneurs in the agrifood sector.
By May 23, 2024, cats2cats received a record number of applications in response to the EIT Food open call for participants. Together with the University of Chemistry and Technology in Prague and EIT Food, programme partners, 10 innovative projects were selected for the 2024 cohort.
EWA 2024 Matchmaking Event
On Saturday, June 13, 2024, the Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) programme was officially launched in Czechia with a Matchmaking event that brought together 10 selected participants and their mentors.
The event began with a networking session followed by an introductory lecture from Petra Kubálková. She discussed the EWA programme, explained the Lean Canvas methodology for project development, and introduced the concept of Intellectual Property. Mentors, coaches, and other programme participants were also in attendance at the matchmaking event.
The EWA programme welcomes ideas at various stages of development. You can apply with a well-developed idea or an existing business with up to three years of operations.
Meet EWA 2024 Mentees:
- Adriana Slováčková is creating a non-stop self-service store, "Mezi poli", featuring products from her farm and other local farmers, offering a wide range of healthy, local products in one convenient location.
- Aneta Blažková presented her project “Květnice”, focused on cultivating, processing, and selling herbs, flowers, fruits, and vegetables, along with wild-growing plants, aiming for sustainable herb production and community support.
- Eliška Nováková showcased her project, “Zde domov můj”, specializing in herbal products sourced locally for syrups, teas, and ice creams as natural and healthy alternatives.
- Hana Hrstková introduced “GreenPlate”, aimed at transforming the restaurant industry through eco-friendly practices and sustainable vegan meals.
- Lenka Simerská highlighted the Nettle seed project, aiming to introduce this local superfood to the Czech market from organic sources.
- Lucie Mokrá aims to enrich the coffee market with high-quality decaf options that are natural and caffeine-free.
- Lucie Rien presented “Aether Phungi”, focusing on bee health through bee bread production and fungal extracts.
- Martina Zelenaková plans to upcycle coffee by-products into innovative food products.
- Šárka Márová explores mycelium for packaging, aiming to replace plastic with compostable alternatives.
- Tereza Dostálová manages a small quail farm, promoting the benefits of quail eggs.
"We are delighted to have once again discovered a diverse range of ideas to accelerate, including herbal teas, upcycled coffee products, superfoods, promoting veganism in restaurants, and quails,"
Meet their experienced mentors:
- Magdaléna Prunerová (MgC Group)
- KarolĂna Pumprová (HerbaFabrica)
- Petra Sýkorová (LitoHUB)
- Martina Pěkná (EWA Alumnae)
- Jitka Hvězdová (Plastenco)
- Alena LĂškay KrálĂková (SITA)
- Jakub Ĺ togr (Reframe Circle)
- Markéta Vinkelhoferová (Fair & Bio roastery)
- Radmila Svobodová (Sonnetor)
- Barbora CĂsaĹ™ová
The programme will conclude on November 20, 2024, with all mentees presenting their pitches to a jury and competing for the final grants of €10,000 and €5,000.
The winners will be announced at the SEED Summit conference on November 21, 2024, in Prague, where the public will have the chance to meet them. Until then, all participants have a significant amount of work ahead.
About cats2cats z.s.
Established in 2011, cats2cats z.s. is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting women in all aspects of their lives. Their motto, CATS (Creativity, Activity, Talent, Sharing), guides their mission to empower women through various programmes and initiatives. Whether it's through mentorship programmes, skill-building workshops, or networking events, they are committed to supporting women every step of the way.
Learn more about cats2cats z.s. on their web page.
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