Roundtable Held as Part of the WIN Campaign „Step Out of the Shadows – Take Your Place in the Market“

As part of the WIN project, implemented by the Ministry of Economy of Canton 10 (Herzeg-Bosnia Canton), a roundtable discussion was held at the Linnovate Business Park in Livno.

The event was organized within the WIN awareness-raising campaign titled „Step Out of the Shadows – Take Your Place in the Market“, conducted by the Ministry of Economy in partnership with the Canton 10 Employment Service. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the position of women in the labor market, promote successful women entrepreneurs, and encourage more women to venture into entrepreneurship.

The panel discussion brought together a diverse group of participants – representatives of the Ministry of Economy, the Employment Service, members of the extended WIN project team, the Minister of Health, Social Welfare and Displaced Persons, an external innovation development expert, as well as five entrepreneurs from Canton 10 who were presented as examples of good practice.

Participants discussed key topics related to women’s entrepreneurship in Canton 10, including the challenges of starting a business, the importance of networking, and the presentation of an innovative program within the WIN project – “Program for Promoting Craftsmanship and Empowering Women in Entrepreneurship". During a 30-minute interactive discussion, concrete suggestions for improving the program were presented, with the final version expected by June 14, 2025.

The following inspiring entrepreneurial stories were shared:

• Božana Babić (Drvar) – souvenir making using various materials

• Nemanja Petković (Glamoč) – honey production and honey-based products

• Stana Kovljenić (Bosansko Grahovo) – rural household development

• Marija Perković (Livno) – tourism services (canoe safaris and bird watching)

• Courtney Dunn (Livno) – American-style baked goods
  

These stories demonstrate how dedication, knowledge, and passion can lead to successful and sustainable businesses in Canton 10.

Key Conclusions from the Panel Discussion:

1. Continuous institutional support for women entrepreneurs is essential through financial incentives, training, mentorship, and better access to information.

2. Visibility and promotion of women’s entrepreneurial stories are key to motivating other women to take initiative.

3. Strengthening networks and joint market presence among women entrepreneurs can lead to greater visibility, experience sharing, and increased competitiveness.

4. The presented Innovation „Program for Promoting Craftsmanship and Empowering Women in Entrepreneurship" was positively received, with useful suggestions made for improving mentorship, selection of beneficiaries, and post-program support. The revised version is expected to be ready by the end of 2025.

5. Local resources offer strong potential for developing women’s entrepreneurship, especially in tourism, crafts, and agriculture, proving that rural settings can be an advantage when utilized creatively.

6. Cross-sectoral cooperation is essential, involving ministries, employment services, civil society, education institutions, and entrepreneurs themselves to foster a sustainable and supportive business environment.

The roundtable provided a valuable exchange of ideas, inspiring discussions, and new connections among entrepreneurs, contributing to the creation of a more encouraging business climate in the canton. The event contributed to WIN's mission by encouraging dialogue, supporting visibility for women entrepreneurs, and initiating collaborative pathways that can lead to long-term systemic change in the region.