BSI_4Women
An Interreg-funded program helping refugee women overcome barriers, develop business skills, and integrate economically through a structured network of training and support.
Project at a Glance
Funding
Interreg Baltic Sea region
Duration
2024
Countries
Baltic Countries
Focus Area
Entrepreneurship support, economic integration, innovation, capacity building
Target Groups
Refugee women from Ukraine and other conflict-affected countries
The Challenge
Military conflicts across the world have displaced millions of women, leaving them facing immense cultural, financial, and emotional barriers as they try to rebuild their lives in new countries. Refugee women in the Baltic Sea region often lack access to networks, capital, knowledge of local markets, and supportive ecosystems—limiting their ability to establish stable livelihoods.
BSI_4Women was created in response to these challenges. Its mission is to empower refugee women through entrepreneurship and innovation, giving them the tools to achieve financial independence, reintegrate into society, and contribute to the resilience and prosperity of their host communities.
Our Approach
Supported by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region program, the BSI_4Women initiative unites public authorities, business support organisations, and regional experts to build a comprehensive, transnational support system for refugee women entrepreneurs. Key actions include:
Transnational Entrepreneurship Network – Establishing a cross-border ecosystem connecting mentors, organisations, and institutions across the Baltic Sea region.
Training & Capacity Building – Delivering hands-on workshops and incubation services covering business ideation, model development, market entry, and more.
Tailored Support Systems – Offering guidance specifically designed for refugee women, taking into account cultural differences, trauma-related barriers, and unique market integration challenges.
Community Engagement & Empowerment – Strengthening participants’ confidence, connection to their local communities, and long-term economic independence.
As part of the project, Aalborg Institute for Development (AID) leads three specialised workshops in Denmark:
Cultural differences & the Danish business culture
Financial aspects of establishing and running a business in Denmark
Legal aspects of business creation and self-employment in Denmark
Key Results / Achievments
Aalborg Institute for Development’s Role
AID contributes to the BSI_4Women project by designing and delivering four targeted workshops supporting refugee women entering the Danish entrepreneurship ecosystem. Through practical training on culture, finance, law, and business readiness, AID equips participants with the foundational knowledge required to navigate the Danish market confidently and effectively.
Looking Ahead
BSI_4Women aims to grow into a fully developed, transnational entrepreneurship network that empowers women affected by conflict to build sustainable businesses and secure long-term economic independence. As the project scales, it will serve as a replicable model for supporting refugee entrepreneurship worldwide.
👉 This Interreg-supported initiative demonstrates how strategic collaboration and tailored entrepreneurial training can transform the lives of refugee women and strengthen the resilience of entire regions.
