About the Program
The final week of the She Entrepreneurs program, held in Stockholm from September 11th to September 17th and powered by the Swedish Institute, proved to be nothing less than an extraordinary journey. The initiative was meticulously crafted to empower women entrepreneurs from selected nine countries (Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Lebanon, Turkey, and Iran). Since 2011, The She Entrepreneurs program equips women entrepreneurs between the ages of 25 and 45 with tangible tools, insights, and networks for participants who want to grow their businesses and develop as entrepreneurs and leaders. The program runs for over six months, combining regular workshops and individual mentor support mostly online with one intensive week of onsite learning in Stockholm in September.
By: Asma Mokhtari
Stockholm
My week in Sweden started with a gathering in Lidingö, a beautiful island in the archipelago of Stockholm, where we had two days of group workshops and peer sessions focusing on self-leadership, learning about different leadership styles, and building resilience. Adding a unique touch to the experience of these sessions, we had the chance to connect with nature, offering a breath of fresh air both literally and metaphorically. We closed the two days with a jogging session in the woods with our trainer Ruth Brännvall, followed by a botanical walk with Biologist Per Bengtson. It was as breathtaking as it sounds. The walk, specifically, was an opportunity not only to learn about the biodiversity of the island but also a space to reflect as social entrepreneurs on our responsibilities towards nature, both as individuals and businesses.
Impact Incentivized
We spent the rest of the week in the vibrant city center of Stockholm, where we had more in-person workshops. In these sessions, we delved into topics such as how and why to craft growth plans and also spent time mastering the digital realm with a particular emphasis on marketing automation. We also had the opportunity to meet the Swedish Institute’s Director-General Madeleine Sjöstedt and other guests and discuss our projects and how we can contribute to the development of future editions of the program. The pinnacle of this journey was the “Impact Week” that we experienced in the heart of Stockholm, hosted by Norrsken, a Swedish impact-focused hub and investment firm that strives to support and catalyze ventures addressing global challenges, which unfolded as a whirlwind of inspiration.
Building Networks
More than 20 startup founders engaged in pitch sessions, and we mingled with remarkable impact-driven entrepreneurs from around the globe. I was honored to connect with one of the participants in the Norrsken acceleration program, Lukap Sahu, founder of LinguifyAI, an AI-led platform that creates personalized and engaging learning experiences for students in India and enables educators to access a comprehensive analytics dashboard, allowing them to effortlessly track student performance and identify areas for improvement. We discussed how to use artificial intelligence to create educational content that can be adapted to different profiles of learners.
The True Value of the Program
The last day of the program was an opportunity for our cohort to explore Stockholm. We visited the old town of Gamla Stan, where we admired the Royal Palace, took pictures in front of its colorful 13th-century buildings, and visited the Nobel Prize Museum. Of course, I bought some trinkets and some tea for a Fika moment. What made The She Entrepreneurs program special and impactful for me lies in its heart; the core of its existence. It transcends beyond mere business discussions; it’s a platform for personal growth. Crafted by women and created for women, it fosters a supportive space where learning and thriving coalesce.
Value for my EMMIE experience
As an EMMIE student, I was able to apply my learnings in self-leadership to reflect on my personal values and how they are connected to the business venture I am running. The program prompted me to analyze how my professional life can and should nurture my personal growth. Additionally, this week left me curious about how I could empower my team on both personal and professional levels to ensure we can collaboratively and most assuredly reach our goals. One takeaway lesson from my Swedish experience that I’m trying to apply daily is the concept of Fika, which is not only a coffee break but an opportunity to mindfully share a moment to rest, appreciate food and social interaction, and bring more balance to a hectic life.To conclude, I invite to check the Swedish Institute website, where you can find a variety of programs for change-makers https://si.se/en/
So inspiring 💜