Women’s entrepreneurship is increasingly recognized as a key driver of inclusive economic growth, innovation, and resilient rural development. In Georgia, women make substantial contributions to agricultural production and rural livelihoods, yet many continue to face structural barriers that limit their participation in higher-value economic activities. Limited access to market-oriented vocational education, business development services, mentoring opportunities, and professional networks often constrains their ability to establish and scale sustainable agribusinesses.

Addressing these challenges requires more than financial support alone. It calls for an integrated approach that combines relevant skills development, entrepreneurship education, career guidance, practical experience, and strong collaboration between education providers, businesses, and development partners.

The Erasmus+ funded AgriVET – Enhancing Women Entrepreneurship in AGRIculture in Georgia through Targeted Vocational Education and Training project was designed with this vision in mind. Bringing together partners from Georgia, Greece, and Lithuania, the project aims to strengthen women’s entrepreneurial capacities through modern vocational education and training (VET), while fostering closer cooperation between the education sector and the labour market.

Rather than focusing solely on technical agricultural competencies, AgriVET adopts a holistic approach to women’s economic empowerment. The project integrates entrepreneurial thinking, business planning, digital competencies, career development, mentoring, and practical learning into an innovative educational framework that prepares women not only to participate in the agricultural sector but also to become business owners, innovators, and community leaders.

A distinguishing feature of the project is its emphasis on developing sustainable support mechanisms. Alongside new training programs, the consortium is creating practical tools such as a Career Counselling and Mentoring Handbook, innovative learning resources, and quality assurance mechanisms that will enable vocational education providers to continue supporting women entrepreneurs beyond the project’s lifetime.

Within this international partnership, the European Business Association (EBA) plays an important role in strengthening the connection between vocational education and the private sector. Drawing on its extensive experience in skills development, employer engagement, and public-private dialogue, EBA contributes to ensuring that educational programs reflect labour market needs and respond to the evolving demands of Georgia’s agricultural economy.

Through its participation in AgriVET, EBA supports the development of employer-oriented learning approaches, promotes cooperation between businesses and vocational education institutions, and contributes to creating opportunities for women to access mentoring, career guidance, and entrepreneurship support. These efforts help ensure that training is not only educationally relevant but also economically meaningful, enabling participants to translate newly acquired knowledge into sustainable employment or business opportunities.

The Association’s long-standing commitment to inclusive economic development is also reflected through its Women’s Economic Empowerment Committee, which promotes dialogue, collaboration, and initiatives aimed at increasing women’s participation in business and leadership. While AgriVET represents one important initiative within this broader commitment, it also demonstrates how international cooperation can generate practical solutions that create lasting value for women, businesses, and communities alike.

The project reflects broader European priorities of promoting gender equality, social inclusion, lifelong learning, and sustainable economic development. It demonstrates how vocational education can become a catalyst for empowering women by equipping them with market-relevant competencies, entrepreneurial confidence, and stronger industry connections.

As agriculture continues to evolve through technological innovation, digital transformation, and changing market demands, investment in human capital becomes increasingly important. Supporting women entrepreneurs is not only a question of equal opportunity, but it is an economic imperative. Women-led enterprises contribute to business diversification, increased productivity, stronger local economies, and more resilient rural communities.

We believe that sustainable economic growth depends on unlocking the full potential of people. By investing in skills, entrepreneurship, and partnerships, the AgriVET project contributes to building a more inclusive agricultural sector where women are equipped to lead businesses, create employment opportunities, and actively shape the future of rural development in Georgia.

Through collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to empowerment, AgriVET is helping transform potential into opportunity, demonstrating that when women are provided with the right skills, networks, and support, they become powerful drivers of sustainable economic and social progress.