CIPE's online peer learning event on April 17, showcased how referral programs can effectively expand membership for business associations.

#WEChamps | CIPE's online peer learning event on April 17, showcased how referral programs can effectively expand membership for business associations. The session highlighted the Udruzenje poslovnih zena Srbije / Association of Business Women in Serbia (ABW) as a model, with the development of their e-ABW platform addressing gaps in support for digital women entrepreneurs. This first WE-Champs event connecting partners from Africa and Europe/Central Asia marked a significant expansion in our collaborative efforts.

The session featured opening remarks from Connie Gonzalez, Deputy Director of CIPE's Center for Women's Economic Empowerment, and Sanja Popović Pantić, President of ABW. They discussed the WE-Champs project’s dedication to women's empowerment and introduced the e-ABW platform, developed to support digital women entrepreneurs.

Manuela Stamatović from ABW presented the platform, noting its success in attracting and engaging new members through referral programs, and crediting the WE-Champs partnership for its significant contribution. Camelia Bulat, Senior CIPE Expert, discussed the importance of strategic member selection and effective onboarding processes. The event wrapped up with a dynamic Q&A session, fostering active dialogue and interest in the program.

The event was organized by CIPE within the "Strengthening the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem by Networking Regional Women’s Chambers of Commerce and Business Associations" (WE-Champs) project, funded by the Department of State: Office of Global Women's Issues.

Center for International Private Enterprise