The Empowering Women in Agrifood (EWA) Grow Programme is part of the EWA programme, launched by EIT Food to support women entrepreneurs in the agrifood sector at early stages of their entrepreneurial journey. As part of the expanded EWA programme structure, EWA Grow focuses on helping women with early-stage startups or business ideas to develop, validate, and grow their ventures.

Up to 120 selected participants (10 per country) will take part in a 6-month cohort running between May and November 2026. 

Who can apply

Be women entrepreneurial talents having a company registered in Albania, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Italy, Lithuania, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, Spain, Türkiye and Ukraine

(with excellent or native proficiency of local language).

Benefits

• Structured support including expert-led training, personalised one-to-one mentoring, and networking opportunities within the local and European agrifood ecosystem.
• Sessions covering business fundamentals, financial and legal aspects, market development, agrifood trends, and personal development
• Weekly mentoring to support participants in advancing their business ideas.
• Key programme activities such as matchmaking events, masterclasses, and a final Demo Day, where selected participants will pitch their ventures and compete for prizes of up to €10,000.
• Financial support to cover activities-related costs.

Deadline: 11 May 2026.

Read more here.

Opportunity offered by: EIT