Possible factors to be included:
Problem identification - Regional isolation and gender equality
CORE BUSINESS: (Sustainable Developmet Goal APPLIED???)
Community-led enterprises: CASE STUDY
Company Info:
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication [communication] reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. 2023-1-ES01-KA220-HED-000161343
Community-led Innovation
Is the Case Study considered an “innovative model”??
KEY SUCCESS FACTORS
A major success factor of Het Kempen Kollektief is its approach to building a supportive, non-competitive environment. The collective’s informal gatherings and ego-free atmosphere encourage women to collaborate and share knowledge. Additionally, Het Kempen Kollektief’s use of digital platforms, such as social media groups, extends the impact of these meet-ups, creating a continuous space for engagement. Their ability to connect women across various industries has also been a key driver of success, resulting in cross-sector collaborations and mutual assistance.
BACKGROUND
This case study is innovative due to its non-networking approach, focusing more on organic, ego-free connections and regional support.
Het Kempen Kollektief was founded to combat regional isolation for women entrepreneurs in the Kempen region of Belgium. It creates opportunities for local women to come together, share their entrepreneurial journey, and build connections. This collective fosters an environment of support where women can be vulnerable, share resources and help each other thrive both personally and professionally. For example, they organize themed meet-ups, where members can openly discuss challenges and successes, thereby building trust and camaraderie.
The core of Het Kempen Kollektief’s mission is to empower women through collaboration. They provide a space where creative entrepreneurs can discuss topics like work-life balance, funding opportunities and personal growth. Unlike traditional networking events, these gatherings focus on the holistic empowerment of each individual. For example, a member might receive support in growing their online presence or in developing new business strategies. The group’s activities are rooted in SDG 5, fostering gender equality by providing women with the tools and community they need to succeed in their ventures.
Key challenges the collective addresses include regional isolation and the difficulty women face in finding supportive, non-judgmental spaces for collaboration. Digital tools such as social media play a significant role in keeping the community connected. As a result, the collective has contributed to stronger networks and greater collaboration among local female entrepreneurs.