This project, led by ARSIS Initiative for Social Change and the Balance Center, with support from UN Women and funding from the British Embassy to Tirana, has helped women launch their businesses and gain the skills they need. Now, they are looking ahead, aiming to grow, expand, and create opportunities for other women by offering them employment and inspiration.
"Now I Can Build My Own Business": Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Albania
Date:
From vision to results: The journey of 32 women entrepreneurs, supported by UN Women and the British Embassy.
Participants and partners of the “Invest in Women” project celebrating women’s entrepreneurship and empowerment. Photo: UN Women Albania
In Albania, more women are stepping forward to shape their own economic futures. Through targeted training, mentoring, and business support provided by UN Women, 32 women entrepreneurs have successfully launched or expanded their businesses, creating new opportunities for themselves and their families.
The participants recently gathered to showcase their businesses and share their achievements at an event attended by government officials, development partners, and other stakeholders, highlighting the programme’s tangible impact and potential for further scale-up.
Supported financially by the British Embassy to Tirana, the “Invest in Women” project marked a significant step forward in advancing women’s economic empowerment. With a strong focus on reaching out to vulnerable and marginalized groups, the project consists of a tailored six-month capacity-building programme that equips participants with practical and technical knowledge and skills, as well as the necessary equipment to start or upscale their businesses.
“Women make up 50% of the population, and increasing their access to the economy translates into empowerment not just for women, but for our economy as a whole,” said Delina Ibrahimaj, Albania’s Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate, during her address at the event.
In 2025, 41% of successful applicants to the national Start-Up Albania Agency were women, up from 28% last year. “This shows that with better outreach, targeted support, and strong partnerships, such as the one with UN Women, we are moving in the right direction. And we won’t stop until we reach 50%, Minister Ibrahimaj noted.
“The United Kingdom has made women’s empowerment one of its top priorities in international development,” said Nicholas Abbott, UK Ambassador to Albania. “The stories we heard today are the clearest example of what happens when women are empowered and take control of their own futures.”
This initiative builds on UN Women’s ongoing work in Albania to promote women’s entrepreneurship and support small businesses. Over the years UN Women has supported multiple programmes. To name but a couple: in 2017, UN Women partnered with the Municipality of Tirana to establish the first-ever grant programme for women entrepreneurs, which continues today and in 2022, it supported women affected by the earthquake to develop and grow their businesses.
Michele Ribotta, UN Women Representative in Albania, emphasized the importance of sustainability: “We are excited about the results of this intervention, and we will work with partners to see how to bring those to scale. The development of Local Gender Action Plans by municipalities, for example - provides a valid entry point to prioritize support for women’s economic empowerment across Albania.”
Many of the entrepreneurs come from Tirana and Durrës, two of Albania’s most dynamic economic hubs. One by one, the women shared their journeys – from developing business plans to accessing new markets – underscoring how the right combination of skills, resources and confidence can turn an idea into a thriving business.
“Developing MISK Ecosocial Care meant bringing together my profession and my passion to create something meaningful. Thanks to this program, I was able to organize my ideas and build a clear vision for success.”
Image
“I’ve learned so much about how to manage my business and move forward with strategy and confidence in the online market. The programme opened doors for me that I didn’t even know existed.”
Image
“At 63, I never imagined I could have my own business. My dream is not to retire; it’s to grow my embroidery brand rooted in the Albanian tradition, and to take my handmade designs to the international market.”
Image
