A regional dissemination workshop was held on 11 May 2026 in Leskovac, Serbia, bringing together women entrepreneurs from rural areas, representatives of local development institutions, entrepreneurship experts, and specialists in marketing, branding, and business communication. The workshop was organised by the Institute for Development and Innovation, with the support of the Center for the Development of the Jablanica and Pčinja Districts.

The central part of the event was dedicated to one of the leading socio-economic initiatives implemented in the Jablanica and Pčinja districts: the “Laboratory for Branding, Development and Networking of Women Entrepreneurs from Rural Areas.” During the session, participating women entrepreneurs shared first-hand experiences and highlighted the concrete benefits of their involvement, particularly in terms of increased visibility, strengthened branding capacities, and expanded market opportunities.

The Institute emphasised the importance of replicating this type of initiative in other regions of Serbia, underlining its potential as a scalable model for supporting rural women-led businesses and strengthening local economies.

Following the workshop, a training session was organised for women entrepreneurs participating in the initiative. Participants received tailored materials and practical recommendations aimed at improving their long-term visibility, competitiveness, and sustainability. The training focused on branding, visual identity development, product presentation, and communication strategies designed to enhance market positioning and overall business performance.

Particular attention was also given to exploring additional opportunities for market expansion, including participation in local fairs and the potential establishment of an ESIRA women entrepreneurs’ bazaar.

The initiative once again demonstrated the value of combining direct engagement with entrepreneurs, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building activities. By fostering collaboration and practical learning, it contributes to the empowerment of women in rural areas and supports the development of more resilient and inclusive local economies in southern Serbia.