Work Package 2 Eva Heckl 1/10/2014 Feasibility study on an internet-based e-platform for women entrepreneurs

2/16 Investigation of the feasibility, possible design, required input and set-up for a European e-platform for women entrepreneurs Objective of the study

3/18 Analysis of demand side Telephone survey of 504 women entrepreneurs Qualitative interviews with 57 stakeholders  use of web-based services  Needs and requirements of target group Analysis of supply side Investigation of e-platforms Long list (61) Short list (10) Case studies (4)  Illustrate solutions  Identify success and hampering factors Methodology Synthesis of the research: conclusions on key features and requirements for the new e-platform

4/16 Women entrepreneurs Stakeholders active in supporting women entrepreneurs  Women entrepreneurs can be addressed directly and indirectly Target group for the new European e-platform

5/16 To provide crucial information and support to women entrepreneurs and stakeholders at one single point To support networking of women entrepreneurs and stakeholders in the cross-national, European dimension  Informing  Inspiring  Enabling skills development  Supporting networking Objectives and purposes

6/18 For women entrepreneurs Legal regulations, taxation Marketing and sales Business finance Support schemes How to start a business Industry relevant information For stakeholders Studies, data, statistics Legislation, policies, support measures Financing and funding Priority themes

7/16 Resource centre compendium of policies and strategies support schemes and good practices research studies and statistics market and industry analyses management manuals EU support schemes and regulations Links to national platforms: country-specific information Calendar of events: conferences, national events News and articles: keeping up with platform activities, attracting interest of users Functions and services – Informing

8/16 Role models and success stories Portrays Videos Tools highlighting women (e.g. awards, women entrepreneur of the month) Functions and services - Inspiring

9/16 Learning tools Interactive tools Provision: creating them for the e-platform, uploading tools by community, tailored offers from different providers, integrating learning packages through partnership E-consultancy, e-mentoring, e-coaching Requires strong system of experts Functions and services – developing skills

10/16 Directories and matching tools Members’ directory of women entrepreneurs (national) contact points and service providers Members’ directory of stakeholders and experts Forums and e-discussions moderated initiated by platform management and/or users Functions and services – supporting networking

11/16 Main language: English More languages: greater outreach, but increase of development costs Original content in other languages needs to be translated in English by contributor or platform management Translation of English content into other languages is extremely resource intensive Language

12/16 Access without registration for quick orientation and passive use Registered membership (free of charge) enables interaction, networking, and access to restricted areas for specific target groups Customised pages for registered users E-platform should be easily accessible on mobile devices Access

13/16 Chief editor/general manager: responsible for managing expert network, coordinating and editing contributions, technical helpdesk, PR and social media engagement Subject matter and country experts: produce or compile content and provide services (e.g. e-coaching) Country experts: team of Commission staff or contractors or partnership approach with national stakeholders Quality assurance: regular coordination meetings, manuals and documentation, quality check of all external contributions Management of the e-platform

14/16 Detailed promotion plan Social media should play a key role Involvement of stakeholders at EU, national and regional level: not only in women specific areas, at sector level First on Google search Opening event Regular information and monthly change in content to increase active participation Promotion of the e-platform

15/16 Interaction with social media is essential Integration with other e-platforms for the target group for availability of detailed and up-to-date information Interaction with other systems

16/16 European e-platform can complement national offers and close a gap Additional value is European dimension – contributes to mutual learning and international networking E-platform can raise visibility of women entrepreneurship and inspire women E-platform as first-stop shop Regular monitoring and evaluation to assess the impact Likely impact and evaluation

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