23/04/2026
EU-funded ‘SheEmpower’ project empowers women entrepreneurs across the Mediterranean
The kick-off meeting of SheEmpower – Unleashing the Power of Female Entrepreneurs in the Mediterranean was successfully held on 4–5 February 2026 at the Environmental Information Centre of Rural Larnaka, in Skarinou, Cyprus. The meeting was hosted by the Larnaca and Famagusta Districts Development Agency, which participates in the project as the Lead Partner, welcoming representatives from partner organizations across the Mediterranean region.
SheEmpower is funded under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme and aims to strengthen the competitiveness of women-led businesses by enhancing entrepreneurial, digital, and innovation skills. The project promotes inclusive economic growth and job creation by supporting the launch of new women-led businesses and improving their access to regional and cross-border markets.
This project is co-funded by the European Union, with a total budget of €2,747,000 (EU contribution: 89%) and a duration of 30 months (5 December 2025 – 6 December 2028), SheEmpower will deliver comprehensive support actions, including:
• Training for 280 women entrepreneurs in innovation, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship.
• A structured mentorship programme for 140 female entrepreneurs.
• E-business training and capacity building for 140 participants.
• Development of the SheEmpower MED e-Store platform to promote and commercialize women-led products and services.
• A dedicated services package supporting 20 women in establishing new businesses.
• The organization of the SheEmpower Innovation Award and Innovation Exhibition to showcase innovative women-led solutions.
• The creation of a Regional SheEmpower MED Network of 500 female entrepreneurs, alongside cross-border business missions involving 21 participants.
Structured across five work packages, the project will foster transnational cooperation, knowledge exchange, and networking opportunities among stakeholders from Cyprus, Spain, France, Italy, Egypt, and Lebanon. By building a strong Mediterranean ecosystem for women entrepreneurs, SheEmpower aims to accelerate innovation, enhance competitiveness, and contribute meaningfully to inclusive economic development in the region.
“This publication has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of Larnaka and Famagusta Districts Development Agency and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union or the Programme management structures.”
