Project Description

EPI CENTAR International has been contracted by the Association of Business Women (ABW) to lead the research and policy advisory component of the project “Women Entrepreneurs and the Green Agenda: Pathway to Green Transition,” implemented within the SMART Balkans – Civil Society for a Connected Western Balkans programme. The initiative supports the active inclusion of women entrepreneurs in climate policy and green economic transformation in North Macedonia, contributing to the objectives of the Western Balkans Green Agenda.

The project focuses on increasing awareness, building capacity, and generating actionable policy recommendations that reflect the needs and potential of women-led businesses in the country’s green transition.

Key Objectives and Project Focus
The project aims to:

• Assess challenges and opportunities related to the Green Agenda for women entrepreneurs, through a mix of field interviews and desk research.
• Foster dialogue by organizing public consultations on how policies can better reflect the reality of women-led businesses.
• Develop inclusive policies by drafting recommendations that promote the role of women in implementing the Green Agenda and support gender-responsive Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Promote local ownership by presenting results and recommendations through Women Entrepreneurship Councils in municipalities across North Macedonia.

EPI CENTAR International plays a central role in designing and delivering the research and policy development component of the action. Our responsibilities include:

• Conducting in-depth interviews with women entrepreneurs from diverse sectors.
• Analyzing data to identify key barriers and enabling factors for green transition within women-led enterprises.
• Preparation of targeted policy document with actionable recommendations.

Anticipated Results and Broader Impact
The project is expected to deliver:

• Clear understanding of how women entrepreneurs perceive and respond to the Green Agenda.
• Increased capacity among women-led businesses to adopt sustainable practices.
• A set of concrete policy recommendations to support inclusive and gender-responsive climate policies.
• Stronger collaboration between civil society, local authorities, and national policymakers in shaping green transition strategies.

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