AFA Cluj - Empowering women entrepreneurs through networking and community engagement
About this good practice
AFA Cluj is a voluntary association of 50 business women from Cluj-Napoca, Romania, who chose to dedicate time, collect & allocate funds to commit to community activities in support for entrepreneurship, social inclusion, youth, skills award, healthcare and education.
The association was founded 20 years ago by the lady President nowadays, in response to the limited opportunities for businesswomen to network, collaborate, give & receive community support.
AFA Cluj empowers women in business by organizing regular events and running initiatives in collaboration with local authorities and educational institutions:
• Business Networking Events – SHEnspire which runs yearly from 2013, where recognized women entrepreneurs share their business life journey with career aspirants
• Recognition Events: Female Excellence Ball celebrating women’s achievements, sharing success stories and inspiring the community
• Business Information Platforms: with Governmental financing, Romania InfoPoint offers essential information for diaspora on business regulations, funding and the labor market.
• Youth Engagement –CuGet Competition engages students aged 14-25, fostering interest in business and personal development.
• Social Awareness - The Mini-library for Health campaign places books in hospitals to promote education and well-being.
AFA's practices support women entrepreneurs, driving their growth and positively impacting the community.
Resources needed
The activities are sponsorship-based. AFA has a Management Committee but the association has no employees; members are dedicating their time to organise and commit to these social activities. Collaboration with educators for student engagements and with local authorities and sponsors.
Evidence of success
Measurable success as significant positive impact on the business and local community: over 100 women entrepreneurs mentored annually through SHEnspire, 60+ participants celebrated yearly at the Female Excellence Balls, 1,000+ students engaged in CuGet Competitions. Additionally, Romania InfoPoint aids thousands of entrepreneurs from diaspora with essential business information. Community initiatives like the Mini-library for Health enhance educational resources in hospitals.
Potential for learning or transfer
The practice offers valuable insights for other regions due to its comprehensive approach to empowering women in business.
• Structured networking events, such as the SHEnspire Project, effectively connect established and aspiring entrepreneurs, strengthening local business networks.
• Female Excellence Ball serves as annual celebration of women's achievements, inspiring communities to recognize and honour contributions.
• Educational programs like CuGet Competition engage youth in development activities, fostering early interest in business and innovation.
• Romania InfoPoint platform is a model for providing information to diaspora communities, a concept with global applicability.
• Health and education initiatives, such as the Mini-library for Health, enhance community welfare and can be easily adapted to different contexts
Key success factors are strong community engagement, sustainable funding, and effective use of digital platforms for outreach.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
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