A Transformative Three-Day Workshop in Molde, Norway

Day 1: Setting the Stage

The first day began with a warm welcome at ProtoMore Kunnskapspark. Attendees were introduced to the venue and the workshop’s goals. Representatives from ProtoMore and Møre and Romsdal County Council talked about the importance of the workshop and the BSI_4Women project.

The morning sessions focused on using Design Thinking to help women refugees start businesses. This approach emphasizes understanding the needs of the users and creating solutions tailored to them. Participants engaged in activities to learn about Design Thinking and how it can transform ideas into business plans. Next, the workshop explored personas, which are detailed profiles of typical users. This helped participants understand the diverse backgrounds and needs of women refugees. By working with these personas, attendees learned how to create better support programs.

After lunch, the focus shifted to real-life business cases and the client journey with ProtoMore. Participants looked at the stages of a client’s journey and discussed how to provide the best support at each stage. This session highlighted the importance of a client-centered approach in helping women refugees succeed in business. The day ended with a session where participants shared what they learned and discussed which ideas they could take back to their regions.

Day 2: Sharing Best Practices

The second day was about sharing experiences and best practices. Participants started with presentations on pre-pilot results from Sweden and Norway, providing insights into the initial outcomes of the BSI_4Women project. A highlight of the day was a session on migrant work inclusion. Experts from the University of South-Eastern Norway shared success criteria for supporting migrant entrepreneurs in Norway. This session offered a comprehensive overview of effective strategies and practices.

The importance of mentorship was discussed by Vindel AS. This session focused on the experiences of mentors working with migrant entrepreneurs and their critical role in providing guidance and support. After lunch, the workshop continued with discussions led by Nordveggen and Sunndal Næringsselskap on the challenges and opportunities in working with migrant entrepreneurs. The session explored potential barriers and strategies to overcome them.

The day ended with a collaborative workshop where participants identified and addressed challenges in implementing incubation programs. This hands-on session fostered collaboration and problem-solving. To conclude the day, a social dinner was held at Restaurant Scandic Seilet, allowing participants to network and strengthen relationships.

Day 3: Planning for the Future

The final day was held at InnbyggerLaben Innom and focused on strategic planning and developing a transnational investment fund concept. Facilitators from the Rzeszow Regional Development Agency and Tallinn Science Park Tehnopol Foundation guided participants through creating an investment fund to support startups in the Baltic Sea region.

Participants then discussed strategies for raising capital, including investor matching events and entrepreneur breakfasts. Experts from ProtoMore and Danas.no shared their insights on successful investment relationships.

The last session was a steering group meeting where project partners discussed progress and planned the next steps for the BSI_4Women project. This session ensured that all partners were aligned and committed to the project’s future success.

The three-day workshop in Molde, Norway, was a great success. It brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, fostering collaboration and shared purpose. Through presentations, interactive sessions, and strategic discussions, participants gained valuable knowledge and built strong connections. The workshop advanced the goals of the BSI_4Women project and contributed to the vision of a green and resilient Baltic Sea region. Participants left with new ideas, actionable insights, and a commitment to supporting women refugees in their entrepreneurial journeys.

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