On 23 September 2026, the Regional Agency for Entrepreneurship and Innovations – Varna held an online Train-the-Trainer session within the framework of the IMPACTA – Innovative Mentorship and Policies for Advancing Change and Transformation Agenda for Women Business Actors project.

The training was addressed to experts and representatives of organisations that work, or are expected to work, with women entrepreneurs. Its aim was to present practical approaches and methods for supporting women at different stages of their entrepreneurial journey – from shaping and validating a business idea to business growth and stronger integration into the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The programme was structured around three main training sessions: Entrepreneurial Mindset and Idea Generation, Incubation and Acceleration, and Stakeholder and Ecosystem Collaboration.

During the first session, participants were introduced to key approaches for developing an entrepreneurial mindset and generating business ideas. The session covered EntreComp, growth mindset, effectuation principles, Design Thinking, interviews with potential customers, co-creation, hackathons and other interactive methods. Particular attention was paid to confidence, self-efficacy, resilience and access to a supportive environment for women entrepreneurs.

The second session focused on business incubation and acceleration. Participants explored Lean Startup, the Business Model Canvas, low-cost prototyping, peer support and accountability groups, investment readiness and strategic networking. A key focus was placed on the need for trainers to adapt their approach to the individual participant and her specific situation – for example, when working with young women, women aged 50+, women from rural areas, or women with caring responsibilities.

One of the main messages of the session was that the same tool does not necessarily work in the same way for everyone. Trainers need to adapt the pace, format, language, examples and level of support while maintaining a clear focus on concrete action and progress.

The third session addressed the role of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and cooperation with relevant stakeholders. Participants were introduced to the entrepreneurial ecosystem approach, stakeholder roundtables, targeted networking and ecosystem mapping. The aim is not only to strengthen individual entrepreneurial skills, but also to help women build stronger links with mentors, partners, funding organisations, institutions and other actors in the business support ecosystem.

Participants who successfully completed the training received certificates of participation in the Train-the-Trainer programme “From Idea to Growth: Supporting Women at Every Stage of Their Business Development.”

The training forms part of the IMPACTA project activities aimed at strengthening capacities and developing more appropriate and accessible support services for women entrepreneurs across the Danube Region.