Project Overview
HERpreneur is a youth-focused Erasmus+ initiative that supports young women (18–35) to start and grow their own businesses, with a strong focus on tech and digital entrepreneurship. By addressing structural barriers like access to finance, networks, mentoring and training, the project helps women move from ideas to viable ventures.
Through barrier analysis, a tailored training programme, an intensive BootCampX and an online networking and mentoring ecosystem, HERpreneur strengthens employability, promotes social and gender equality, and builds a supportive community of female founders, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Project Objectives
- Empower Young Women Entrepreneurs: Equip young women with the knowledge, skills and confidence to start, manage and grow their own businesses.
- Promote Gender Equality: Tackle gender gaps in entrepreneurship by increasing women’s participation in tech and innovation-driven sectors.
- Enhance Digital and Entrepreneurial Skills: Develop practical competences in business planning, finance, marketing, leadership and digital tools.
- Support Disadvantaged Young Women: Reserve at least 30% of places for women from low-income, migrant, refugee, rural or otherwise disadvantaged backgrounds and provide tailored support.
- Build a Sustainable Support Ecosystem: Create lasting networks, mentoring structures and online communities that continue beyond the project lifetime.
Key Tools and Deliverables
Barrier Analysis Report on Young Women Entrepreneurs
The Barrier Analysis provides a data-driven picture of the challenges and opportunities faced by young women entrepreneurs in the partner countries.
- Research Insights: Literature review, surveys, interviews and focus groups mapping key barriers such as finance, mentorship, networks, gender bias and social norms, plus existing support structures
- Recommendations for Action: Concrete guidance that feeds directly into the design of the HERpreneur programme, BootCampX and mentoring model.
HERpreneur Training Programme and Guide
The HERpreneur Programme and Guide offer a structured curriculum and practical handbook tailored to young women’s entrepreneurial journeys.
- Training Curriculum: Modular learning pathway covering idea development, business models, finance, marketing, leadership, digital skills and social entrepreneurship, based on the barrier analysis.
- Practical Guide: A clear, user-friendly guide outlining programme structure, learning outcomes, tools and templates (business plans, financial sheets, checklists) for use during and after the project.
HERpreneur BootCampX
HERpreneur BootCampX is an intensive, transnational bootcamp that turns learning into practice for a selected group of high-potential young women entrepreneurs.
- Immersive Training: Interactive workshops, mentoring, guest talks and hands-on sessions to refine business ideas, strengthen digital and entrepreneurial skills, and build confidence.
- Pitching and Follow-Up: A final pitching event with feedback from experts and potential supporters, plus guidance on accessing funding and resources to move ventures forward.
HERConnect Networking Platform and HERmentor Sessions
HERConnect and HERmentor form the digital and human backbone of the HERpreneur support ecosystem.
- HERConnect Platform: An online networking space where participants, alumni, mentors, experts and stakeholders connect, share opportunities, post resources and collaborate.
- HERmentor Programme: Structured 1:1 and small-group online mentoring sessions pairing young women with experienced entrepreneurs and professionals for personalised guidance and long-term support.
