Women in Entrepreneurship – EXPO 2024 -

Celebrating Innovation, Connection, and Growth

479927381_647993221221908_2191565959596359810_n

The Balance Center was delighted to play a key role in the Women in Entrepreneurship EXPO 2024, which brought together 40 amazing female entrepreneurs from Albania and Kosovo to meet, learn, and grow. We imparted vital knowledge, built significant relationships, and assisted in amplifying their views through exciting bootcamps and an in-depth survey. The success of this event, which was defined by strong collaboration and positive feedback, demonstrated the great potential of women-led enterprises to drive innovation and growth. We are tremendously thrilled to continue empowering women entrepreneurs and working together to create a brighter future!

In November 2024, Tirana became the stage for a vibrant celebration of women’s entrepreneurship. Over two inspiring days, 38 women entrepreneurs came together to showcase their creativity, exchange ideas, and build new collaborations at the Women in Entrepreneurship – EXPO 2024.

From sustainable products and tech solutions to fashion, wellness, and hospitality, the Fair was a living marketplace of innovation. Visitors wandered through colorful stands, discovering not just businesses, but also the stories, resilience, and passion of the women behind them.

The opening set the tone: government leaders, international partners, and women business champions all spoke with one voice — Albanian women entrepreneurs are driving change. The Fire Talk Evening brought this to life. With honesty and courage, women shared their journeys — the challenges faced, the lessons learned, and the breakthroughs that inspired others to dream bigger.

The second day was dedicated to action. Practical workshops gave participants tools to grow their businesses, while lively B2B meetings created bridges between entrepreneurs, accelerators, and investors. The atmosphere buzzed with opportunity — ideas were exchanged, partnerships were born, and futures were imagined.

The closing session reminded everyone that success is not only about growth, but also about balance. A moment dedicated to wellbeing and self-care highlighted the importance of resilience and looking after oneself while building a business

What Participants Said

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive:

92% rated their experience highly satisfactory.
85% built new professional connections, most planning future collaborations.
88% found the knowledge gained directly useful for their business.
The Fair, Fire Talk, and Workshops all received excellent ratings, while the wellbeing session stood out as a highlight.

A Platform for the Future

The Women in Entrepreneurship – EXPO 2024 was more than an event. It was a community in motion — a place where women supported women, where knowledge turned into opportunity, and where innovation met collaboration. With each edition, this platform grows stronger, helping shape an inclusive, sustainable future for women in business in Albania.

As a unique collaborative platform dedicated to nurturing the entrepreneurial landscape for women across Europe and Central Asia, the Women’s Entrepreneurship EXPO was launched in 2021 by the UN Women Regional Office for Europe and Central Asia, in collaboration with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and Yıldız Holding. The EXPO has since become a cornerstone of the global Women’s Entrepreneurship Accelerator, supported by Mary Kay.

Since its launch, the EXPO has become a movement that spotlights the accomplishments of women in the entrepreneurial landscape across the region. It is a vibrant community of women-helping-women and supports women entrepreneurs in becoming the architects of the new global economy. The EXPO cultivates relationships, collaboration, networking, peer learning, idea generation,skills enhancement and business expansion opportunities for women entrepreneurs, investors and private sector stakeholders. It also amplifies the visibility of women-led enterprises and fosters inclusive markets and value chains that empower women entrepreneurs.