International Training in Seville, Spain, as Part of the Project “Women in the Age of Innovation”
From 25–28 May 2026, three members of the International Business Women Network (IBWN) – Svajūnė Marcinkevičienė, Inga Baranovskaja, and Jolita Martynaitytė – participated in an international training course in Seville, Spain. The training, “Women’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Spain,” was organised by the Spanish organisation STEP – Stage Within European Programmes.
The training was implemented within the framework of the Erasmus+ KA122-ADU project “Women in the Age of Innovation: Creativity, Artificial Intelligence and International Development” (Project No. 2025-1-LT01-KA122-ADU-000342007). The project aims to strengthen women’s digital and entrepreneurial competences, provide practical knowledge on innovation and sustainable business practices, promote international cooperation, and enhance the competitiveness of women-led businesses.
The programme focused on practical learning and the analysis of successful Spanish business practices. IBWN members visited the Seville Chamber of Commerce, where they learned about a business support programme designed specifically for women entrepreneurs. The programme helps women develop their business ideas step by step—from the initial concept and business model to company establishment and business growth. Participants explored the consulting, mentoring, and business support services available in Spain and discussed how similar approaches could be adapted to strengthen women’s entrepreneurship in Lithuania.
A significant part of the training was dedicated to sustainable and responsible business models. Participants learned about the business created by entrepreneur María Orzáez, which combines the use of local resources, traditional production methods, healthy nutrition principles, and environmental responsibility. This example demonstrated how local traditions, existing knowledge, and personal values can be transformed into a distinctive, sustainable, and competitive business.
The IBWN members also visited Reciclados Store, a recycling company founded in 2012 by a young entrepreneur together with her partners. The company focuses on reducing industrial pollution, recycling electronic waste, creating green jobs, and helping businesses comply with environmental regulations. Particular attention was given to the company’s innovative electronic waste processing system, which incorporates artificial intelligence solutions to improve the sorting and recycling of electronic waste.
The experience gained in Seville made a direct contribution to the objectives of the project. Participants strengthened their knowledge of women’s entrepreneurship support measures, innovation management, the application of artificial intelligence, circular economy principles, and the development of sustainable business models. The training also encouraged them to critically evaluate their own business activities, explore new development opportunities, and build stronger international professional networks.
Upon returning to Lithuania, the participants will share the knowledge and practical insights they gained with other IBWN members. In this way, the results of the international mobility will contribute not only to the professional development of the participants themselves but also to strengthening the competences of the entire IBWN community and promoting more innovative, responsible, and sustainable women-led businesses.
The project is co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ programme.