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Digital technologies are transforming the way businesses operate, but many women entrepreneurs still face barriers to accessing the skills

Written by Roz Dean

Digital technologies are transforming the way businesses operate, but many women entrepreneurs still face barriers to accessing the skills, confidence and opportunities needed to fully benefit from digitalisation. The Women 5.0 project was created to help bridge this gap by developing a practical digital competence framework tailored to the needs of women entrepreneurs across Europe.

Through surveys, focus groups and stakeholder consultations involving participants from European countries, the project explored the digital skills women entrepreneurs want and need to develop. The findings revealed strong interest in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital marketing, content creation, automation, financial management, data analysis, e-commerce and cybersecurity.

Participants highlighted a preference for practical, hands-on learning that can be immediately applied to their businesses. They also emphasised the importance of flexible and accessible learning formats that fit around busy professional and personal commitments.

A five-course framework for digital and entrepreneurial skills

In response, the Women 5.0 partnership developed a five-course learning framework covering:

  • Introduction to Digital Technologies
  • Entrepreneurial Mindset, Resilience and Ideation for Business Digitalisation
  • Digital Tools for Marketing, Sales, Content Creation and Automation
  • Digital Tools for Financial, Data and Project Management
  • Safety, Security and Ethical Responsibility in the Digital World

The framework is aligned with the European DigComp and EntreComp competence frameworks, ensuring learners develop both digital and entrepreneurial skills that support long-term business success.

Practical learning designed for real business needs

Designed to be practical, engaging and mobile-friendly, the programme combines real-life examples, case studies, interactive activities and useful resources to help learners build confidence and take action.

By empowering women with the skills, knowledge and mindset needed to embrace digital transformation, Women 5.0 contributes to reducing the gender digital gap and supporting stronger, more resilient and sustainable women-led businesses across Europe.