The 3rd Interactive Workshop organized by the Region of Crete within the framework of the European project GRANDIS – Green, Digital, Female-driven SMEs (Interreg Europe) was successfully completed on the afternoon of Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the Bizrupt multi-purpose hall, in Heraklion, Crete.
The workshop aimed at collectively formulating practical solutions to strengthen female entrepreneurship in Crete, focusing on the challenges and opportunities associated with the green and digital transition.

The event was welcomed by Giorgos Alexakis, Regional Advisor for European and International Affairs of the Region of Crete, who underlined the importance of the GRANDIS project in promoting policies based on the real needs of the region and its citizens.

A brief introduction to the project and the methodology of the workshop followed by Xenia Kritsotaki, a GRANDIS associate, Autonomous Department of European International Affairs & Development Cooperation of the Region of Crete. The participating women entrepreneurs and professionals from all over Crete worked in groups, examining four key thematic challenges that had emerged from the previous workshops of the project (Culture, Skills, Financing, Networks). The discussions were attended by executives from the Region of Crete, including Maria Apostolaki, Coordinator of the GRANDIS project, Environmental Engineer at the Directorate of Environment and Spatial Planning of the Region of Crete, as well as Katerina Vlasaki, Head of the Autonomous Department of the Regional Observatory for Social Inclusion.

Each group was invited to propose specific, applicable solutions and good practices to address the thematic challenges, which were then presented at the event’s panel, forming the basis for a substantive dialogue.

The panel included George Alexakis, Delegated Regional Advisor for European and International Affairs of the Region of Crete, Nektaria Kalogiannaki, Director of Regional Economic Development & Extroversion of the Region of Crete, Magda Katopi, Partner Relations and Communication Advisor, Mentor & Business Coach and member of the Advisory Board of Women Do Business, Evelina Bakinda, Founder of THE OFFICE and Chic Greek Business, as well as Alexandra Karapidaki, Co-Founder of Bizrupt.

The GRANDIS project renews its appointment with all stakeholders, women entrepreneurs and local communities for the next interactive workshop, continuing the collective effort to enrich the Regional Smart Specialization Strategy (RIS3) of Crete 2021–2027 and strengthen female entrepreneurship in Crete.