Women’s Time: Norwegian Funds Supporting Innovative Projects

Women in business stand out for their multitasking abilities, entrepreneurial spirit, and often create businesses that focus on social aspects which are crucial for them. To support their passion and desire for growth, the “Small Grants Scheme for Entrepreneurial Women” was implemented under the Norwegian Grants. This project contributed to bringing ideas to life and opened doors for entrepreneurial women to the world of technology and innovative solutions, including those that enhance quality of life. Let’s take a closer look!

Polish women are increasingly venturing into their own businesses. According to the latest report from EFL titled “Women in SMEs: Under the Microscope” in 2024, 8% of women in Poland run their own company. The study reveals that 55% of the businesses led by women are micro-enterprises. Additionally, one in six Polish women manages an organization employing 50 to 249 employees. Notably, only Greece has a higher percentage of entrepreneurial women (10%), while the EU average stands at 6%.

The implementation of the “Small Grants Scheme for Entrepreneurial Women” marked a significant milestone in supporting women in business. This project was financed by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism for the years 2014–2021. Its goal was to support initiatives carried out by companies where women either own the business or have a decisive voice in its management. The provided support aimed to enhance competitiveness and create conditions for developing the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for success in today’s business world.

Each project focused on one of the following areas: innovations in green technologies, innovations in the maritime or inland waters sector, and welfare technologies. What is important, female entrepreneurs also had the opportunity to benefit from advisory services, mentoring to support the development of their companies, as well as investments in tangible and intangible assets.

Small Grants Scheme for Entrepreneurial Women

Under the “Small Grants Scheme for Entrepreneurial Women,” funded by the Norwegian Funds, many female entrepreneurs had the opportunity to develop their innovative ideas through the received financial support. Out of nearly 400 applications submitted to the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP), 49 top projects were selected. Each company could receive a maximum of €200,000 in funding.

The Norwegian Funds enabled the creation of innovative and practical solutions that directly impact the quality of life. Here are a few examples of companies that benefited from the support and successfully implemented projects.

RECELLO 2.0. Recycling of non-wovens by tearing techniques powered by Renewable Energy

The RECELLO 2.0 project, led by Agnieszka Girzejowska, the company’s president, received funding of €163,694.79. It focused on recovering fibers from textile raw materials using advanced fiber-tearing techniques powered by renewable energy sources (RES). The initiative aimed not only to enhance the efficiency of textile recycling processes but also to reduce the fashion industry’s negative impact on the environment. The project’s implementation contributed to reducing the amount of textile waste ending up in landfills and increasing the availability of secondary raw materials for industry.

ProM Dagmara Lech - Alek on the trail of allergy App

As part of the project, an application called “Alek na tropie alergii” (Alek on the trail of allergy) was developed. This app includes 5 educational games for children with various allergies. It combines educational and cognitive aspects with an engaging gaming format. The app is designed for children up to 10 years old who need self-acceptance and assistance in dealing with allergy-related challenges they face. Additionally, it teaches independence in avoiding allergy-related risks and performing proper care activities. The app also supports parents, how to explain to their children, why it’s essential to avoid allergens and how dangerous they can be. The project received funding of €39,600.

Marta Ryszkiewicz-Poborca – rehabilitation services for children with disabilities

As part of the project, Marta Ryszkiewicz-Poborca, the owner of a physiotherapy clinic, introduced two innovative services aimed at children with disabilities, both intellectual and physical. The first service focuses on body posture and gait diagnostics to assess movement disorders. The second service involves individual therapy using a vibrational platform for children with disabilities. Thanks to the granted support (€13,800), specialized equipment was purchased, and diagnostic and therapeutic protocols were developed, incorporating tests and treatments using modern devices. The project was designed to enhance the quality of life for children by improving their mobility.

KYOJI sp. z o.o. – emotions and behaviour recorder

The project was implemented as a response to identified challenges in assessing the intensity of emotions and sensations in individuals with mental disorders and those experiencing acute and/or chronic pain. Kyoji developed an emotions and behaviour recorder that captures information related to the timing of events associated with a specific disorder, their intensity, and duration. The device aims to enhance communication between patients and their doctors, therapists, or stewards. By squeezing the device, individuals can record information, which can then be transmitted to a smartphone app. The recorder is intended for use both in medical institutions, such as palliative care units and hospices, and in-home care settings. As part of the project, consulting services were procured, including the creation of a conceptual design, construction, and validation of a wireless charging technology prototype, as well as the development of RTV silicone production technology for the device’s casing. The project received funding of €112,100.

All the above-mentioned projects, implemented with the support of the Norwegian Funds, represent a significant step towards innovation, sustainable development, and improvement in quality of life and social integration. Thanks to financial support, entrepreneurial women are at the forefront of change, introducing innovative solutions and services to address current social and environmental challenges.

Norway Grants

The  Norwegian Financial Mechanism 2014–2021 and the EEA (European Economic Area) Financial Mechanism 2014–2021 aimed to reduce disparities in economic and social development and strengthen bilateral relations between Poland and Norway. Poland is one of several countries that implemented support programs funded by the Norwegian and EEA governments.

The 'Business Development and Innovation' programme, which includes the ‘Small Grants Scheme for Entrepreneurial Women’ is designed to support the development of businesses. It is one of several programs developed and financed under the Norwegian Funds and the EEA Financial Mechanism in Poland. The program is operated by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development, with the Norwegian innovation agency partner - Innovation Norway.

The program’s goal is to promote sustainable entrepreneurship and innovation among Polish enterprises and enhance collaboration between companies in Poland and businesses, research units, and other entities in Norway.