The Women Entrepreneurs Network has about 330 members, who are either active entrepreneurs or planning to start their own business. Most of these single entrepreneurs are in service sector, for example freelance people, artisans, consultants and other professionals. These entrepreneurs need training for ICT and marketing.

The URBANET project is part of EU Urban II Community Initiative Programme. In Finland, the Government allotted Urban II Programme to the Greater Metropolitan Area, especially for developing its eastern parts, Helsinki-Vantaa.

Since year 2002, every autumn Urbanet Women Entrepreneurs Network has organized a fair which has enabled successfully co-operation and networking on the area among the inhabitants, entrepreneurs, municipal organisations and associations. In 2004 the fair had about 28,000 visitors. Women Entrepreneurs strengthen their skills in many ways. They develop and maintain their computer skills, for example email, internet and homepage coding skills with continuing study and interaction through electronic communication channels. In the regular meetings the entrepreneurs meet and support each other regarding their own business and well-being. The members of the Women Entrepreneurs Network have also an opportunity to promote their own company virtually (= a virtual fair) on the homepage of the Urbanet. There are on the virtual fair totally 51 entrepreneurs promoting their products and services.    

Entrepreneurs strengthen their network and skills in many different ways.

The 330 members of the Women Entrepreneurs Network.

The project is funded from Urban II programme, total 566 074 €. Needed skills are marketing, negotiation and ICT skills.

Edupoli, Intermunicipal Federation for Education in East Uusimaa
Finland
http://www.edupoli.fi/
Ms. Raija Leskinen, tel. +358 40 7291281

01/01/2002

case

Urban Policy > Economy knowledge & employment > Urban economy

Business support