This document provides information on networking and partnerships for female entrepreneurship in the Balkan region. It discusses the importance and benefits of networking, defines what networks and partnerships are, and outlines different types of formal and informal networks. Examples of national and international networks that support women entrepreneurs in the Balkan countries are also presented. The document concludes with an exercise for participants to discuss institutions and services that support women entrepreneurs and help expand their business networks.

1. Balkan Women Coalition vol. II
Social Start-Up Booster for Supporting Female Entrepreneurship in Balkans
(2020-1-EL01-KA204-078936)
Module 7
Networking and Partnership
March 14th - 18th, 2022
BUSINESS WOMEN ASSOCIATION OF MONTENEGRO

2. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Module 7
Networking & Partnership
• Review types, models and benefits of the partnerships & networking
• Present best practice examples
• Importance of working together – social enterprises and large
companies
• Group discussions and exercises
Do we need a networking?

3. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Network -powerful mechanism for sustainable
development
• Sharing information and knowledge
• Promote communication and coordination
• Building up trusting relationships and commitment among public and
private stakeholders
• Serve as mutual learning and capacity-building mechanisms
• Activate the interface between knowledge and action

4. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
What Network
• Common purpose derived from shared perceived need for action
• Clear objectives and focus
• Non-hierarchical structure
encourages:
provides:
• Voluntary participation and commitment
• The input of resources by members for benefit of all
• Benefit derived from participation and linking
does: • Facilitate exchange, learning, development – the capacity building aspect
• Act for change in areas where none of members is working in systematic
way – the advocacy, lobbying and campaigning aspect
• Include a range of stakeholders – the diversity/ broad-reach aspect
has:

5. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
What a network should foster?
• Building Participation
• Building Relationships and Trust
• Facilitative Leadership
• Diversity and dynamism
• Decentralized and democratic governance
• Building Capacity

6. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
INFORMAL NETWORKS
• Social networks
• Communities of practice
FORMAL NETWORKS
Different types of Network

7. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Benefits of Networking
• Benefits for members and stakeholders
• Contributions to the vision of sustainable development
• Benefits from participating in a network
Not exactly what we wanted....
THE NET WORKS!!!

8. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
What is partnership?
“a collaborative relationship between entities to work toward shared
objectives through a mutually agreed division of labor.”*
• Joint solving of problems
• Resource exchange
• Cooperation
• Coordination
• Coalition building
* World Bank, Partnerships Group, Strategy and Resource Management, “Partnership for Development: Proposed Actions for the World Bank” (discussion paper, May 20, 1998), p. 5.

9. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Partnership
• Equity
• Transparency
• Mutual benefits

10. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Why partnership?
• Added value in working with other organizations
• 1) the organization is able to deliver greater strategic impact
(mission value) through the partnership
• 2) the organisation itself improving its ability to deliver its mission,
now and in the future (organisational value)

11. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Key components of partnerships

12. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Key components of partnerships

13. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
The Partnership Spectrum
LEVERAGE / EXCHANGE COMBINE / INTEGRATE TRANSFORM
One partner contributes to the work of another,
or partners exchange resources, to allow one or
both partners to deliver more.
Two or more partners combine their
resources to together deliver more than
each could deliver alone.
Multiple actors work together through
collective action to tackle complex
challenges usually through system
transformation.
Often one-way transfer or reciprocal exchange
of skills, knowledge, funding etc.
Involves negotiation to maximise the gains on
both sides.
Characterized by mutual accountability and
innovative approaches.
Involves brainstorming and creative
dialogue to together develop new
approaches that create value.
Involves multiple actors bringing together
unique and complementary resources.
Requires multi-stakeholder dialogue to
understand the system and engage the
players required to make interventions.
Organisational value created Organisational and Mission values created Organisational and Mission values created
Applicable when: each partner has something
that is more valuable to the other than to
themselves, resulting in net gain on exchange.
Applicable when: bringing together
complementary resources results in new
approaches delivering value to all.
Applicable when: an issue is sufficiently
complex that a systems approach is
required to tackle it.

14. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Benefits and risks of partnerships
Benefits Risks
Greater impact Loss of autonomy/decision making
Professional development of key personnel Conflicts of interest
Better access to information and different networks Burden of resource commitments
Improved operational efficiency Implementation and co-ordination challenges
More appropriate and effective products and services Reduction in independent decision-making
Greater innovation Loss of competitive advantage in obtaining funding or
providing services
Enhanced credibility Insufficient influence in the partnership’s activities
Increased access to resources Frustration with the collaborative process
New opportunities and pathways for products,
services and partnerships
Unbalanced credit for contributions to the partnership

15. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Strategic framework of the partnership
The components of the social entrepreneurship
ecosystem:
• governments
• businesses
• official development assistance organizations
• higher education institutions
• intermediary organizations.

16. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
How to define the (ideal) network partner?
LET’S WORK WITH GOVERNMENT— BUT WHICH PART OF GOVERNMENT?
It is essential to understand with which level(s) of government it is necessary to build
a partnership, and then how to implement it.
“It is local leadership that moves the system.
If you really want to address the health needs of the poor, you have to work
with local governments, because the poor go to their health services.”
Ernesto Garilao, Chairperson and President of the Zuellig Family Foundation (Philippines)

17. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Networks: Relevance with women’s
empowerment
The Balkan Women Coalition (B-WCo)
The idea of B-WCo was developed from organizations from the wider Balkan
area, with the goal to create a stable and multinational network of institutions
and organizations from the region, in order to develop qualifications and help
women in the business filed.
The B-WCo project is arising and developing from partners’ organizations from
Greece, Turkey, North Macedonia, Albania, Bulgaria, Montenegro and Bosnia &
Herzegovina. The aim: to draw attention to the importance
of gender equality and empower women, especially through
social entrepreneurship.

18. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
National network in Greece
Greek Association of Women Entrepreneurs (SEGE)
The association that provides women entrepreneurs with an environment for
the development of their businesses and themselves.
SEGE is active all over Europe, especially in the Mediterranean and the Balkans.
It has played a vital role in eliminating gender discriminations in the financial
sector by promoting female entrepreneurial activity.
SEGE’s goal is to enhance the status of women in all aspects of public and
private life.

19. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
National network in Turkey
Women Entrepreneurs Association of Turkey (KAGIDER)
The 20-year-old, most influential women business association, with more than
400 members, all of whom are women business owners generating a total of
around 62 billion USD annual turnover which is almost 8% of Turkey’s economy.
KAGIDER’s mission: to develop and support women entrepreneurship, to
strengthen women’s status both economically and socially.
It is very active in advocacy activities for equal opportunities for men and
women.

20. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
National network in North Macedonia
Association of Business Women from Republic of North Macedonia
ABW was formally established in July 2010.
ABW helps women entrepreneurs to grow and promote their businesses,
organizes trainings, conferences and B2B meetings, and has its own mentoring
network for youth and women entrepreneurs.
A significant result: the creation of the National Strategy for strengthening of
women entrepreneurship in the Republic of North Macedonia, adopted by the
Government in December 2018.

21. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
National network in Albania
Albanian Association of Industrial Environmentalist (AAIE)
AAIE was founded in 2000, in Tirana.
AAIE aims to assist the social and economic recovery of Albania evaluating
various social-economic policies initiatives with a special focus in the
Environment and Population Welfare field.
Sustainable social services, gender issue and empowerment of the individuals
remain a consistent cross cutting strategy for all projects of AAIE.

22. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
National network in Bulgaria
The Association of Women Entrepreneurs in Bulgaria (Vselena)
Vselena was founded in 2017, by a group of ladies with over 15 years of
experience in the development of women's entrepreneurship.
The goal: development of women's entrepreneurship, defining its priorities and
creating prerequisites for its encouragement and social acknowledgement.
It provides members with trainings, business support, mentoring and access to
expert information, works on enhancing the employability of women and
national competitiveness, stimulating and promoting social entrepreneurship.

23. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
National network in Montenegro
Business Women Association of Montenegro (BWA)
BWA was founded in 2009, by 12 female business owners and managers, with
the support of the MEF and GIZ.
BWA contributes to improving the business climate and eliminating business
barriers in the country. It provides its members with a wide range of services
and enables them to network nationally, regionally and internationally.
On the BWA’s initiative, the Investment and Development Fund of Montenegro
created a special credit line for female entrepreneurs in 2011.

24. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
National network in Bosnia & Herzegovina
Association of Business Women in B&H
The Association represents a continuation of the successful work of the previous
organization "ONE“ – funded by several successful entrepreneurs and experts
from different fields (pharmaceuticals, media, marketing, IT, architecture).
Mission: support the development of female entrepreneurship through the
interconnection of women entrepreneurs, business women, education and
counselling. Vision: strengthening social framework for the development of
female entrepreneurship through the enhancement of development policies start
job creation.

25. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
International networks
WEgate
The European Gateway for Women’s
entrepreneurship WEgate is an e-platform,
launched by the European Commission to
support this network.
WEgate does not provide support services
or advice, nor has commercial purposes. It
is an online gateway to useful and inspiring
information, mostly presented through a
short description text and useful web links.
Euclid Network (EN)
The European Social Enterprise Network,
founded in 2007. EN’s members represent
over 100,000 organizations in 21 countries
throughout Europe and beyond.
EN bring together civil society and social
enterprise federations, universities,
training institutes, social investors, NGOs
and social enterprises.

26. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Global networks
FCEM
The pioneer association uniting women
business owners from the world over,
founded in France (1945). Today exist in
other European countries and on 5
continents.
It promotes solidarity, the exchange of
experiences and ideas, facilitates the
development of business and partnership,
fosters professional growth
and business skills perfection,
and encourages women to
create enterprises.
ALL Ladies League (ALL)
A global movement of fostering worldwide
web of women in a spirit of global
sisterhood (membership by referral and
invitation). G-100 is the empowered Group
of 100 Global Chairpersons of ALL.
ALL platforms: Women Economic Forum
(WEF); Women’s Indian Chamber of
Commerce & Industry (WICCI); e-commerce
platform SHEconomy.

27. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
.
Games
and
Exercises

28. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Exercise: Business Networking
• Topic: Institutions and Services for Women Entrepreneurs
• Objectives:
- Creating awareness of women entrepreneurs about the existence,
roles and functions of support institutions and programmes,
- Create opportunities to enable participants to expand their own
business network.
• Room arrangement: U-shape, 3 teams
• Time: 60 minutes (30 min - work, 30 min - presentation)
• Each group should give a short presentation (maximum: 10 minutes per
team), followed by a discussion.

29. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
.

30. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Discussion: Public-private partnership (PPP)
There is a growing trend in the world to unite
governments and the private sector to address complex societal needs.
Questions for discusion:
• Why Public-Private partnership is taking root?
• What these partnerships look like?
• What makes them successful?

31. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Discussion: The benefits of a PPP
* Based on CAPS surveys of ultra-high-net-worth business leaders from 10 Asian economies in 2019 and 2020.

32. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Discussion: Showcase video
Social entrepreneur SHAHNAZ AL-SADAT,
Co-Founder and Chair of LeapEd Services
in Malaysia.
Shahnaz explains how Yayasan AMIR
Trust Schools Programme is a win-win-win
for governments, companies and
communities.
https://youtu.be/4pTvMTixpvQ

33. The European Commission's support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of
the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.
Partnership with large companies
https://news.sap.com/2020/10/sap-
launches-55by25-purposeful-procurement/
https://www.unilever.com/
https://www.ikeasocialentrepreneurship.org/ /
https://www.jnj.com/caring
https://blogs.microsoft.com/blog/2021/04/25/creating-a-world-of-good-a-
celebration-of-microsofts-global-social-entrepreneurship-program/