EWA Explore online course

Develop foundational entrepreneurship knowledge and gain practical tools to explore, develop and validate agrifood business ideas integrating a gender perspective.

EWA: Empowering Women in Agrifood

Who, What & When? : Who is this course for?

This course, delivered online in English, Turkish and Ukrainian is perfect for Women who want to start or strengthen a business in the agrifood sector.

Especially those who are exploring entrepreneurial idea but have not yet started a business or  are at an early stage of their entrepreneurial journey, with a recently launched venture .

An EIT Label accredited Explore level programme providing an ideal introduction to entrepreneurship and innovation methodologies to further develop ideas independently or within local ecosystems

What will you achieve?

This course combines entrepreneurial fundamentals, sector-specific knowledge, and women’s empowerment perspectives, integrating practical tools, real-life case studies from women-led agrifood start-ups, and reflective learning elements

Participants leave the course being able to.....

Discuss the agrifood systems women entrepreneurs, identifying opportunities across the food value chain and recognising their potential role and impact within it by exploring a the food system through a farm to fork perspective
Demonstrate entrepreneurial confidence and agency by recognising personal strengths while identifying social and cultural barriers women have to face as (wannabe) entrepreneurs in the agrifood sector
Develop an agrifood business idea by applying design thinking, business modelling and basic strategic tools to develop a responsible, market-oriented and scalable early-stage company.

The course is delivered in English, Ukrainian and Turkish and will be expected to successfully complete a final assessment to verify achievements.

Alumni join the EIT Food Hive network and may progress to future opportunities including:

Progress to EWA Grow, the national cohort-based programme offering mentorship, live training and tailored support
Strengthen their readiness to apply for other EIT Food education and entrepreneurship initiatives
Gain foundational knowledge to further develop their idea independently or within local ecosystems
Join the broader EWA community and access future learning, networking and visibility opportunities

When does the course take place?

The course is open from 1st April 2026. Learners register through EIT Food registration platform and can study at their own pace

Structure and Delivery:

The course combines entrepreneurial fundamentals, sector-specific knowledge, and women’s empowerment perspectives, integrating practical tools, real-life case studies from women-led agrifood start-ups, and reflective learning elements.  

The food system: from farm to fork
Become an innovator: generating ideas using the design thinking methodology
Business Model Development and Strategy
Financial literacy and legal basics
Leveraging Technology and Data
Networking and Communication

Learning Resources

Curated readings and additional resources to deepen understanding of key topics

Short video lectures led by experts and practitioners in agrifood entrepreneurship
Case studies and real-life examples from women-led agrifood ventures
Practical tools, templates and guided exercises to apply concepts to participants’ own ideas
Self-reflection activities integrating a gender and empowerment lens