The Craft2Success project officially launched with its Kick-off Meeting held in Braga, Portugal, at the end of May 2025. Hosted by the coordinating organisation Adolescere, the meeting brought together partners from Portugal, Estonia, Belgium, and Ireland to lay the foundation for an ambitious initiative focused on empowering women artisans through digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and social inclusion. 

Setting the Tone for Impact: 

This first transnational meeting marked a significant step forward for the project. It was not only a chance for project partners to meet in person, but also an opportunity to establish clear objectives, deadlines, and roles. The agenda was packed with strategic discussions focused on project management, quality assurance, communication, and dissemination strategies. 

One of the meeting’s key highlights was the introduction and planning of the first major project activity: the development of the Digital & Innovation Workshops. Led by Euroreach (Estonia), these workshops will provide vulnerable women engaged in artisan crafts with basic digital skills, including the use of e-commerce platforms, digital marketing, and even modern production tools like 3D printers. 

📘 Building Foundations for Inclusion & Growth 

Partners also discussed the project’s two core intellectual outputs: 

• R1: E-Tools & Resources for Artisans – a practical directory of technologies and digital tools to support craft production and promotion 

• R2: The Crafts Entrepreneurs Manual – a step-by-step guide for turning craft-making into profitable, sustainable businesses 

Both resources are designed with accessibility and real-world application in mind, aiming to boost economic independence and self-confidence among women from marginalised communities. 

📣 Shaping a Strong Communication Strategy 

Another important part of the meeting was the design of a robust dissemination and exploitation plan. All partners agreed on the importance of sharing project updates, success stories, and resources with local communities and stakeholders, ensuring that the project’s impact goes beyond its immediate participants. 

In addition, the quality assurance strategy was presented and validated, ensuring that each activity and result will be closely monitored to meet high standards of relevance, inclusivity, and innovation. 

🌟 A United Start 

The kick-off in Braga was more than a formal beginning – it was a moment of shared vision and solidarity. The partners are united by a common mission: to ensure that traditional crafts are not left behind in the digital age, and that the women who create them are recognised as entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders in their own right. 

As Craft2Success takes its first steps, the energy and collaboration from this meeting signal a promising journey ahead – one full of creativity, empowerment, and transformation. 

Stay tuned for more updates and stories from our workshops, resources, and the inspiring women we aim to support! 

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