Non-profit social venture and think tank CyprusInno, powered by SocialTech Lab, has successfully concluded the 2024 Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) in Cyprus, according to an official announcement.
Now in its second year of support from the US Embassy in Nicosia and, for the first time, backed by Chevron, the programme provided free training to aspiring and established women entrepreneurs to help them launch or scale their businesses.
More than 40 women graduated from the programme, having received hands-on mentoring and training at The Base by CyprusInno.
Using the DreamBuilder online platform, participants developed key business skills, including strategic planning, marketing, financial management, and pitching.
“During the programme, participants connected to a supportive community of entrepreneurs, drawing inspiration from successful leaders, and receiving targeted mentorship from both industry experts and 2023 alumnae,” the announcement mentioned.
“They enhanced their business skills through dynamic workshops, pitching sessions, networking events, site visits to women-owned businesses, and industry gatherings,” it added.
Personal growth activities were also integrated into the curriculum to strengthen their entrepreneurial mindset.
Reflecting on her experience, graduate Marianna Karavali described the programme as “an incredibly transformative experience.”
“The opportunity to connect with fellow women entrepreneurs fostered a strong sense of community,” she added.
“Sharing our dreams, challenges, and solutions was not only inspiring but also deeply reassuring,” Karavali continued. “Reflecting on my own journey, I’ve come to appreciate how far I’ve come as a woman entrepreneur and how much I’ve achieved.”
Another graduate, Ileana Christoforou, praised AWE as “an empowering experience that provided invaluable mentorship, practical business strategies, and a supportive network”.
She also said that the programme significantly boosted her confidence and equipped her with essential tools for business growth.
During the graduation ceremony held at The Base by CyprusInno in Nicosia, the graduates received their certificates from the United States Ambassador to Cyprus Julie Fisher, and Chevron’s Cyprus Finance Manager Melina Demetriou.
“CyprusInno expresses its gratitude to all participants, trainers, mentors, speakers, and supporters, the US Embassy Nicosia and Chevron, for their contributions to the success of the second cycle of the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs in Cyprus,” the announcement stated.
“CyprusInno remains committed to fostering continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation for women within the entrepreneurship ecosystem,” it concluded.
It should be mentioned that CyprusInno, powered by SocialTech Lab, is an award-winning social venture dedicated to strengthening the entrepreneurial landscape in Cyprus.
Through a combination of digital tools and live events, including The Base by CyprusInno—billed as the world’s first Social Impact Generator—the organisation accelerates innovation and supports social impact initiatives.
CyprusInno hosts a variety of capacity-building training sessions, hackathons, bootcamps, networking events, and workshops. Entrepreneurs can stay updated on upcoming programmes by visiting cyprusinno.com.
