That’s a wrap on the Entrepreneurial Woman Project 2022
On Monday, the 14th of November 2022, we celebrated the Grand Finale of the 9th edition of the Entrepreneurial Woman Project. During this exhilarating day, we heard from an inspiring business persona from Luxembourg, the project sponsors, and the participants themselves. The Award Ceremony, hosted by Lisa Burke, proceeded in a very welcoming atmosphere and it was followed by official celebrations including a banquet & live music.
Scroll down to find out the winners of the 9th edition!
Welcoming Words
Upon successful completion of the program, over 20 participants were able to receive their diplomas during the gala that took place this week in Arendt House. It was truly an emotional day for all of us. But first things first!
Starting off with an introductory word about the project, Lisa welcomed all the attendees. Alongside the LPCC Members, EWP Sponsors, project participants and their loved ones, we welcomed the representatives of the Embassy. It was an honour to host the Ambassador of the Republic of Poland to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, H. E. Piotr Wojtczak, as well as the Consul Pia Libicka-Regulska. After thanking the partners of the project, we welcomed on stage a special guest who directed a few words to the EWP participants.
Inspiring Business Persona from Luxembourg
It has become our tradition that every year during the EWP gala we invite an inspiring speaker who has it all. This edition’s special guest was Isabelle Alexander, the founder of Madame Chocolat. Her goal was simple: after 20 excellent years in the financial world, Isabelle took it upon herself to present the world with high-quality chocolates, candies and other delicious products and create a sweet experience to remember.
During her speech, Isabelle decided to inspire us by being exceptionally approachable and told the story of setting up her business from scratch. It was a very personal presentation, focused on the ups and downs, of what can happen in every entrepreneurial journey. We learned from her what is worth pursuing.
The premise of Isabelle’s speech could be explained with a simple quote that came directly from her:
You may listen to many people giving you advice. But ultimately, you are making the decisions. You are the one in charge. And so these decisions have to be true to your own heart
Isabelle Alexander
Exceptional Times Call for Exceptional Measures
Next on, we heard about the sponsors of the project and the stage took Karol Maziukiewicz to comment on Peakside Capital‘s contribution to the cause. Thus he was the person behind the initiative to help aspiring women entrepreneurs who fled Ukraine and enable their growth by covering the costs of their training.
Karol delivered a remarkably emotional speech on how he admires the women’s strength behind being forced to create a new reality for themselves. They’re facing their obstacles head-on and tackling the challenge of rising in an unknown environment. We were all impressed with the participants’ business ideas, some of which were inspired by the tough experiences.
It’s Time To Read the Verdict
This brings me to the most important time of the evening as the verdict announcement. In this 9th edition of the Entrepreneurial Woman Project took part over 20 remarkable ladies, only three of which received the financial support of our sponsors.
Starting off with the 3rd prize of the evening, we are happy to announce that the winner is Anna Shekhvatova with her presentation on delivering Digital Marketing solutions. Anna was presented with the award by Mateusz Pondel, Managing Partner, the representative of AQTEEV, the sponsor of a 1000€ cheque.
The second prize was awarded to Natalia Demchuk for her idea of creating a Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Luxembourg. We welcomed on the stage Sara Gentille, Marketing & Communication Director, the representative of BSP, the second prize sponsor to present Natalia with her 1500€ award.
Last but definitely not least, Anna Ivanova, the first prize winner of the EWP 2022! She won with her Beautycase Project and received from ATOZ a total of 2000€ for funding her business idea. Handing the award was Petya Dimitrova, Partner at ATOZ.
After receiving her diploma, Anna was bound to present her winning pitch to the rest of the audience. For being able to practice the delivery of which she expressed her gratitude. Special thanks were directed to the Entrepreneurial Woman Project Manager, Marta Andrzejewska, for creating a project that allows future entrepreneurs to learn such basic but most important skills.
After Anna’s speech, it was time to five out the certificates of achievement for outstanding performances in the EWP 9th edition. The participants were congratulated for successfully completing the project and welcomed on stage for final photos.
The rest of the evening, everyone enjoyed themselves in celebration with food and live music. The event was described as pure pleasure as everyone was engaged in lively conversation. Madame Chocolat took it upon herself to personally gift each of the guests her delicious chocolates, which gave her the chance to talk to everyone and make them feel taken care of. Meanwhile, one of the EWP participants joined our event musician in playing a Ukrainian song.
Directing Our Gratitude To All That Made It Happen
We would like to take this opportunity to once again thank our sponsors ATOZ, BSP and AQTEEV for getting financially and otherwise engaged in the development of the project.
To Peakside Capital for their unique patronage that inspired us all and made the project truly special.
To our partners: the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, where the training was taking place, the Embassy of Luxembourg in Poland, Ambassade de la République de Pologne à Luxembourg and the Ministère de l’Économie – Luxembourg.
To each and every one of the trainers, the 14 incredible professionals who shared their time and guided EWP participants into the entrepreneurial world of Luxembourg.
And thank you to Arendt & Medernach for their hospitality during the official celebrations.
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You may read more about how the Entrepreneurial Woman Project unravelled these past 6 weeks with exclusive highlights & photo reportage here.
And don’t forget to check our gallery for more photos from the Award Ceremony.
Oliwia Gertych,
LPCC Team
