Closing ceremony of the „EmPOWERed in Business” programme: entrepreneurial women awarded grants
Santander Bank Polska and the Polish Entrepreneurship Foundation have selected the winners of competitions for educational grants and business funding. Ten grants, as well as three prizes in the form of financial assistance to investors, were handed out at the closing gala of the 'EmPOWERed in Business’ programme.
Development grants worth PLN 11,000 each were awarded to 10 women who submitted the best business plans. The money can be used for any purpose related to the development of competencies needed to run a business. In the second competition, 3 female entrepreneurs who presented the most interesting business proposals were awarded. Each of the winners received a capital injection for their business projects up to the Polish zloty equivalent of EUR 50,000.
Entrepreneurs are the strength of the Polish economy. Always innovative, energetic, they adapt to any situation. In the ”EmPOWERed in Business” programme, we encouraged female entrepreneurs to reach for grants, giving them real support on their way to their own business, inspiration and motivation. The great interest shows that we did it the right way.
”EmPOWERed in Business” is an initiative aimed at supporting and activating women in their professional development and in starting their own businesses. Nearly 4,000 women participated in the series of 10 webinars.
I liked the very idea of the project, the workshops that were organised with powerful women and successful persons. And most of all, I am very proud that our business plan has been appreciated, because we strongly believe in what we are doing and we believe in the success of our venture, so it was great to hear that we are also able to convince someone else.
During the workshops, participants were given many tips and tools to support their business ventures. Speakers at the webinars included Sara Koślińska – CEO of Limitless, Anna Orska – founder and owner of the ORSKA jewellery brand, and the well-known journalist Dorota Wellman.
I particularly remember the lectures by Anna Orska and by Marta Lech-Maciejewska, blogger and owner of the Spadiora brand. As far as Santander Bank Poland and the Polish Entrepreneurship Foundation are concerned, I participate in various courses. Recently, I also took part in Santander's MBA Essentials programme, organised together with the London School of Economics. It was meant to be an introduction to the Executive MBA and gave me a completely different approach to finance, to how to manage a business. That's why now, using the money from the development grant, I want to enrol on a full MBA course to help me run my business.
The list of winners can be found at santander.pl/mocnewbiznesie.
Partners of the ”EmPOWERed in Business” programme are Her Impact and Forbes Woman.
