A total of 43 female entrepreneurs from Vojvodina, Leskovac, and Kragujevac have successfully completed the training program “Better Business Through Data,” aimed at helping them improve their digital skills to make their businesses more competitive in the market. With the support of the British Embassy, the training was organized by the Office for Information Technologies and eGovernment (ITE) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the National Employment Service (NES) and the women entrepreneurs’ association “She is Worthy.”
The training program included 25 entrepreneurs from Vojvodina, 10 from Leskovac, and 8 from Kragujevac. They operate in various sectors such as hospitality, beauty care, food and beverage production, jewelry and natural cosmetics manufacturing, and the textile industry.
Throughout the eight-week program, the entrepreneurs learned—through theoretical lessons, practical assignments, and mentorship—how to collect and analyze data and use digital tools to track their business performance. Their newly acquired knowledge and skills now help them create better business plans, develop professional reports and presentations for grant and loan applications, and promote their products and services more effectively. Additionally, the program facilitated networking and experience sharing among participants, which will further support their businesses.
Research shows that women-led businesses often have limited access to finance, markets, and mentorship support, which affects their ability to operate sustainably. At the same time, female entrepreneurship is a strong driver of economic growth in local communities.
The “Better Business Through Data” training was organized as part of the “Open Data for an Open Society” project, implemented by UNDP and the Office for IT and eGovernment, with the support of the British Embassy.