3 and 12 December, 2025, online. Women entrepreneurs across the Mediterranean region face unique challenges in accessing finance, resources, and networks to grow their businesses. This online capacity-building programme aims to address this issue by equipping you with practical tools, knowledge, and connections, useful to successfully scale your enterprise. Over the course of three hours, in an interactive workshop (two dates available), you can learn how to position your business at the intersection of sustainability and profitability, how to access financing designed for women-led businesses and how to connect with other businesswomen across the Mediterranean to help your business grow.
What you will learn
The programme, which features two identical workshops for two distinct groups, will cover the following aspects:
– “Water and WEFE for Sustainable Business” explores the Water–Energy–Food–Ecosystems Nexus as a driver of business growth. You’ll learn how integrating these linkages can generate new revenue streams and can give you a competitive advantage in water-scarce environments. Through real case studies from Mediterranean women entrepreneurs, and a WEFE screening tool and matrix, you will see how WEFE principles can be applied to achieve tangible business benefits.
– “Navigating Gender Finance”, opens the door to funding opportunities. You will understand why Development Finance Institutions and investors are targeting women-led businesses and learn about the 2X Challenge Criteria used by Development Banks to evaluate enterprises’ gender aspects. You will also discover the landscape of gender-responsive, SME, youth, and green financing facilities available across the Mediterranean.
– “Building Networks that Last” will be your gateway to valuable regional and international networks – from the MENA Women Business Club to Mediterranean business associations. These networks will introduce you to inspiring mentors, strategic partners and promising new markets.
Who Should Join?
This program is for women entrepreneurs and business leaders from Mediterranean countries (priority for non-EU countries) who are ready to scale their small or medium-sized enterprise. Whether you’re in agriculture, manufacturing, services, or technology, if you’re a founder, owner, or senior leader whose business is in its growth stage and you’re seeking financing, improved resource efficiency, and regional connections, this programme is designed for you. A background in the business opportunities linked to water, energy, food, or nature is an advantage but not a requirement – what truly matters, however, is your determination to expand your business responsibly and successfully.
How to Join?
Both workshops will be held entirely online and will be carried out in English, in December. The sessions are interactive and limited to approximately 30 participants to ensure personalised attention and effective engagement. Upon completion of the workshop and a brief post-event survey, you’ll receive a certificate of attendance recognising your commitment to advancing your business skills and sustainability practices. The programme features experienced trainers with expertise in gender, finance, business, and the WEFE nexus, along with a keynote speaker connecting these topics to practical networking and business applications.
Ready to Transform Your Business ?
You can register now for one of the workshops to secure your spot. Space is limited, and this is your opportunity to join a community of ambitious women entrepreneurs building resilient, bankable businesses across the Mediterranean. This programme is organised by the Union for the Mediterranean as part of the UfM Water Agenda, following the commitments made at the 5th UfM Ministerial Declaration on Strengthening the Role of Women in Society and the UfM Women Business Forum 2025.
