EWA Masterclass 2024: Women Entrepreneurs Leading Agrifood Innovation in the Czech Republic

At the start of the EWA Masterclass session for Czech mentees, Petra Kubálková, the program's organizer, highlighted the crucial role of feedback in the entrepreneurial journey. She shared essential guidelines on how to approach and process feedback from mentors, stressing that constructive criticism is a valuable tool for growth. Petra encouraged participants to view feedback not as a personal critique but as a resource improve their ideas and business strategies. She reminded the startups that being open to different perspectives and learning from experienced mentors is key to overcoming challenges and achieving long-term success.

During the EWA Masterclass, ten innovative startups led by women presented the culmination of their four months of intensive work. Each entrepreneur was giving a four-minute pitch, using ten slides. This structure encouraged participants to explain their business models, the value they offer, and their growth strategies in a simple and engaging manner. The presentations showed their progress, from improving agrifood innovations to creating sustainable solutions. This session not only highlighted their hard work but also proved their skill in pitching ideas in real-world situations. This experience will help them succeed in the industry and during the local Pitching Event.

The Masterclass was enhanced by mentors Martin Vasquez, a renowned TEDx trainer, and Jakub Šindelář, an experienced advisor in angel investments with experience from the USA. Their knowledge was essential in helping participants understand the details of business strategy, communication, and pitching. This support has prepared women-led startups to succeed in the competitive agrifood sector.

One of the unique aspects of the EWA Masterclass is its focus on the foundational stages of starting a business. The programme includes important lessons on key topics, such as developing a value proposition, learning from others, building a strong team, understanding legal and financial matters, and mastering sales and marketing strategies. By providing this well-rounded training, the Masterclass helps participants learn what they need to succeed in the agrifood industry.

The local Pitching Event of the EWA 2024 Czech Republic, set for mid-November, marks the culmination of the programme. During this event, participants will pitch their innovative agrifood projects to a panel of experts, competing for top cash awards of €10,000 and €5,000. It offers a prime opportunity for these startups to demonstrate the creativity and dedication they have invested over the past months. In addition to the cash prizes, the top participants will receive six months of mentorship, providing them with further guidance to refine their strategies and drive their ventures forward in the agrifood industry.

Looking ahead, the audience will have a unique opportunity to meet these inspiring entrepreneurs at the International Seed Summit on November 21, 2024, in Prague. This event will bring together stakeholders from the agrifood industry to discuss innovations and future challenges in the sector. For more information, visit the Seed Summit website.

Established in 2011, cats2cats z.s. is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting women in all aspects of their lives. Their motto, CATS (Creativity, Activity, Talent, Sharing), guides their mission to empower women through various programmes and initiatives. Whether it's through mentorship programmes, skill-building workshops, or networking events, they are committed to supporting women every step of the way.

Learn more about cats2cats z.s. on their web page.