Women entrepreneurs drive agrifood innovation at EWA Masterclass in Albania
Ten motivated women entrepreneurs from Albania came together for the EWA Agro-Innovation Masterclass, the second in the Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) 2025 series. Dedicated to strengthening women’s entrepreneurship in the agrifood sector, the Masterclass offered participants a full day of collaboration with their mentors, valuable insights from experts, practical discussions, and new opportunities for networking and growth.
On September 3rd, 2025, the Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) programme hosted its Masterclass at Bujtina Mera in Petrelë. Organized by the Balance Center, this full-day event brought together mentees and mentors for an inspiring exchange of knowledge, best practices, and collaboration opportunities aimed at strengthening women’s entrepreneurship in the agrifood industry.
Mentees engaged in presentations and interactive sessions
The day began with a warm welcome from host and mentor Iva Mera, owner of Vila Mera, followed by Jetona Myteveli, Director of Balance Center, who emphasized the importance of dialogue, innovation, and concrete actions to empower women-led agrifood businesses.
Key presentations set the stage for discussions. Alban Zusi of AZ Group introduced his company’s innovative agribusiness portfolio, showcasing circular economy solutions, sustainable fertilizers, and value-added processing of animal by-products. His talk highlighted how sustainable practices can boost productivity and resilience.
Esmeralda Ballesha, Advisor to the RIS Council (EIT Food), offered a European perspective on agrifood innovation priorities. She stressed climate change adaptation, the growing demand for consumer transparency, the role of technology and AI, and the centrality of sustainability. Ballesha also presented upcoming EU-aligned financing opportunities designed to support women entrepreneurs in agrifood.
Mentor–mentee dialogue and practical discussions
The core of the Masterclass was built around interaction. In mentor–mentee circles, participants rotated through small groups to discuss opportunities, challenges, and potential collaborations.
Two parallel group discussions deepened the exchange: one on food safety and HACCP requirements, and another on access to finance for agrifood ventures. These sessions provided practical advice and allowed mentees to map out key steps for strengthening their businesses.
During the Insights Harvest, groups presented takeaways such as the importance of certifications, innovative product development, and building stronger financial linkages.
Reflections, mentoring, and networking
The event closed with a wrap-up circle where mentors reflected on the progress of mentees, offering encouragement and pinpointing areas of focus for future growth. Jetona Myteveli highlighted that the insights raised during the day will directly shape upcoming trainings, including one dedicated to financial planning.
Participants then shared a communal lunch featuring traditional foods, an informal yet meaningful opportunity to deepen connections and continue the exchange of ideas.
About Balance Center
Balance Center is a non-governmental, non-profit organization dedicated to fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development in Albania. With a team of 45 experts, it supports new and struggling businesses through tailored coaching, training, and mentoring. Since 2016, Balance has trained over 4,500 entrepreneurs, creating more than 9,000 jobs. Key initiatives include CoSolve, supporting 700 businesses since 2020, and Beyond IDEA, promoting green and tech startups. Hosting Albania’s UN Women Entrepreneurship EXPO Satellite, it empowers women in rural tourism, agro-processing, and eco-friendly enterprises.
Learn more about Balance Center on their webpage.
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