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Meet the Experts: Transformative Workshops and Trailblazing Trainers Await You at the Entrepreneurial Woman Project

In a world brimming with opportunities, there’s never been a more exciting time to elevate your entrepreneurial journey. We’re thrilled to introduce you to an extraordinary array of workshops and experts at the Entrepreneurial Woman Project, designed to empower, inspire, and ignite your business ambitions. This is your chance to connect with trailblazing trainers and gain insights that could redefine your path to success.

Our event is proudly sponsored by a stellar lineup of partners who share our commitment to fostering innovation and excellence. A heartfelt thank you to AKD, ATOZ, and BSP, whose generous support and sponsorship of incredible prizes are helping to make this transformative experience possible. Their dedication to empowering women entrepreneurs underscores the spirit of our mission and ensures that each participant leaves with not just new skills, but valuable opportunities for growth.

Welcome to the Entrepreneurial Woman Project, an empowering initiative for English-speaking women in Luxembourg and neighbouring regions. For just €295, you gain access to our series of workshops, a year-long LPCC Private Membership, and a chance to win up to €3,000 in prizes to kickstart your business.

Our hands-on workshops, held at the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce on 28 September and 5, 12, 19, and 26 October, offer expert guidance and invaluable networking opportunities to help you turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.

Join us as we dive into an exciting series of workshops led by industry leaders, and discover the tools, strategies, and networks that can turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. The journey to success starts here—let’s make it extraordinary together!

Now, let’s dive into the world of expertise and inspiration by meeting the exceptional trainers who will be instrumental in shaping the entrepreneurial futures of our participants:

1. Ayzo van Eysinga & Joël Butkiewicz-Jung | Business Entities
2. Esther Celosse | Idea Generation
3. Joana Lima Neves | VAT
   Claire Fabri | Taxes
4. Adis Sabanovic | Business Model Canvas
5. Marie-Christine Simon | Intellectual Property
6. David Holland | Marketing & Sales
7. Daniel Milano Torres | Business Plan
8. Neha Bhandari | Dress for Success
9. Lisa Burke | Public Speaking
10. Pauline Wirtzler | Employment and Commercial Practice
11. Daniel Tesch | Social Enterprises & Funding Opportunities
12. Artur Sosna | Networking

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Unveiling the Powerhouse Behind EWP 2024:
Introducing the Dynamic Trainers!

Ayzo van Eysinga & Joël Butkiewicz-Jung | Business Entities

Join Ayzo van Eysinga, partner at AKD, for a focused workshop tailored for women aiming to start a business in Luxembourg. This session will clarify the various types of business entities—such as SARL and SARL-S—and help you determine which is best suited for your business idea and goals. Ayzo will be delivering the training with the assistance of his colleague, Joël Butkiewicz-Jung, attorney at law at AKD.

Key Insights:

• Understanding Business Entities: Differences between SARL, SARL-S, SA, and other legal forms.
• Choosing the Right Entity: Factors to consider for your business type and objectives.
• Legal Requirements: Essential elements for setting up, including share capital, management structures, and business licenses.
• Practical Steps: Guidance on incorporation, documentation, and compliance.

About Trainers: 

Ayzo is a renowned partner at AKD with deep expertise in international tax and business structuring. Specialising in complex cross-border transactions, private equity, and corporate reorganisations, Ayzo provides strategic solutions for US and UK multinationals. His practical, solution-oriented approach has earned him accolades from clients and recognition in leading directories such as Chambers and Legal 500. Ayzo also shares his knowledge as a lecturer at the University of Luxembourg and regularly contributes to industry seminars and panels.

Joël is an associate in the Luxembourg office of AKD and a member of the tax practice group. Joël specialises in direct and indirect taxation aspects in relation to national and international transactions. He also advises on FATCA, CRS, and DAC 6 matters. Prior to joining AKD, Joël worked as an associate in the tax practice group of an international law firm and as a tax lawyer at a Big Four firm in Luxembourg. He holds a Master’s degree in German and French Business Law from the University of Paris I Panthéon-Sorbonne (France) as well as an LL.M. from the Universität zu Köln (Germany).

This workshop is ideal for women entrepreneurs who are considering starting a business in Luxembourg and need guidance on selecting the most appropriate entity for their venture.

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Esther Celosse | Idea Generation

Join Esther Celosse, founder of Return2Career and a prominent figure in the Entrepreneurial Woman Project (EWP), for an inspiring workshop on idea generation and refinement. This dynamic session is designed to help you unleash your creativity and explore innovative solutions through practical, hands-on exercises.

Key Insights:

• Creative Techniques: Learn about Parallel Thinking and Lateral Thinking to enhance your problem-solving skills and think outside the box.
• Breaking Conventional Patterns: Discover strategies to break free from traditional thought processes and ignite your imagination.
• Collaborative Approach: Engage in vibrant exchanges with fellow participants to refine and elevate your ideas through diverse perspectives.
• Practical Exercises: Participate in interactive activities that will challenge your creativity and foster a collaborative environment for breakthrough thinking.

About Trainer: Esther Celosse, the visionary behind Return2Career, is dedicated to removing career barriers and championing unconventional paths. As an Adjunct Professor of Management and executive coach, Esther empowers individuals to embrace their unique journeys to success. Her extensive experience with the EWP has showcased her ability to inspire and guide entrepreneurs in their creative endeavors. With a focus on fostering collaborative and innovative environments, Esther’s workshops are renowned for their impact and effectiveness.

This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their creative skills and gain fresh perspectives on problem-solving. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore new ideas and collaborate with like-minded individuals.

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Joana Lima Neves | VAT

Join Joana Lima Neves, Director at ATOZ in the Indirect Tax department, for an in-depth VAT workshop designed to unravel the complexities of Value Added Tax (VAT) for businesses and individuals operating in Luxembourg. With her extensive expertise, Joana will guide you through the essential elements of VAT, from fundamental principles to practical application and compliance.

Key Insights:

• Understanding VAT Principles: Gain a comprehensive overview of how VAT functions as a consumption tax, including its application at various stages of transactions and its impact on businesses and consumers.
• VAT Deduction Rights: Learn about the conditions under which input VAT can be recovered, including exemptions and VAT treatment for specific transactions.
• VAT Registration and Compliance: Explore the different VAT registration formats available in Luxembourg, the process for registration, and the obligations for VAT filing and payment.
• Compliant Invoicing: Understand the requirements for VAT-compliant invoices, including the necessary information and formats for different types of transactions.
• Practical Considerations: Discuss common pitfalls and practical tips for managing VAT, including handling VAT audits, dealing with VAT refunds, and adhering to local regulations.

About Trainer: Joana is a seasoned Director in the Indirect Tax department at ATOZ, with extensive experience advising on VAT matters. Holding a Master’s degree in Law and Business from the Portuguese Catholic University and a graduate degree in Law from the University of Lisbon, Joana combines academic expertise with practical experience. Fluent in Portuguese, English, and French, she provides nuanced and actionable advice to businesses across various sectors. 

This workshop is ideal for professionals and entrepreneurs who need to deepen their understanding of VAT and ensure compliance with Luxembourg’s VAT regulations. Whether you’re involved in VAT planning, compliance, or management, this session will offer valuable insights and practical guidance.

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Claire Fabri | Taxes

Join Claire Fabri, Director at ATOZ in the International and Corporate Tax department, for an insightful workshop focused on the complexities of tax law and financial strategy. This session is designed for individuals and businesses looking to build a solid foundation in both individual and corporate taxation while enhancing their strategic tax planning skills.

Key Insights:

• Foundations of Taxation: Understand the core principles of individual and corporate taxation, providing a solid base to build your tax knowledge.
• Tax Efficiency Strategies: Explore how to develop tax-efficient structures, focusing on sectors such as Private Equity, Real Estate, and Infrastructure to boost profitability and compliance.
• Regulatory Compliance: Learn the nuances of adhering to regulatory frameworks, ensuring your tax practices align with current laws and standards.
• Practical Application: Benefit from Claire’s practical insights and experience to navigate complex tax scenarios, making intricate concepts accessible and actionable.

About Trainer: Claire is a Director in the International and Corporate Tax department at ATOZ, specialising in Luxembourg direct tax and international tax matters. Her background includes advising multinational groups on Luxembourg and international tax issues, deal structuring, and corporate reorganizations. Claire holds a Master’s in Business Administration with minors in Tax and Finance from the University of Namur and a post-graduate degree in Luxembourg Tax. Fluent in French, English, and Spanish, she brings a wealth of experience to her role.

This workshop is perfect for those seeking a deep understanding of tax principles and practical guidance on managing tax responsibilities effectively.

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Adis Sabanovic | Business Model Canvas

Embark on a transformative journey with Adis Sabanovic, a seasoned consultant at the House of Entrepreneurship in Luxembourg, renowned for his expertise in guiding ventures of all scales. Join Adis for an immersive Business Model Canvas Workshop designed to equip you with the essential tools to formalize and validate your entrepreneurial ambitions.

Key Insights:

• Crafting Your Value Proposition: Discover the art of defining a compelling value proposition that resonates deeply with your target audience, ensuring your project stands out in the competitive landscape.
• Building a Tailored Business Model: Learn practical strategies to develop a robust business model that aligns seamlessly with your unique vision and professional aspirations, setting a solid foundation for sustainable growth.
• Validation and Implementation: Gain insights into the crucial steps of validating your project idea, ensuring it meets market needs effectively and efficiently.

About Trainer: With a wealth of experience as a consultant, Adis specialises in assisting businesses—from traditional enterprises to cutting-edge startups—in navigating the complexities of business strategy and implementation. His practical approach and profound insights have empowered numerous entrepreneurs to transform ideas into thriving ventures.

This workshop is ideal for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners eager to formalize their projects and translate innovative ideas into actionable plans. Whether you’re starting fresh or refining an existing concept, this workshop will provide invaluable guidance tailored to your entrepreneurial journey.

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Marie-Christine Simon | Intellectual Property

Unlock the potential of your business with Marie-Christine Simon, Director of the Trademark Department and European Trademark and Design Attorney at Office Freylinger S.A., and a distinguished Luxembourg IP attorney. Join Marie-Christine for an enlightening workshop that delves into the essentials of intellectual property (IP) and its pivotal role in protecting and elevating your business.

Key Insights:

• Understanding IP Fundamentals: Explore the core concepts of intellectual property, including the importance of protecting your trademarks, logos, and inventions to safeguard your business’s unique assets.
• Effective Protection Strategies: Learn practical approaches to securing your brand identity through affordable trademark and design filings, ensuring your intellectual property is shielded from unauthorized use.
• Avoiding Common Pitfalls: Benefit from expert guidance on navigating the IP protection process to avoid costly mistakes and ensure your IP assets are effectively managed and defended.

About Trainer: Marie-Christine brings a wealth of experience in intellectual property law, specialising in the protection and defense of trademarks and designs. Her expertise offers invaluable insights for entrepreneurs looking to secure their innovations and enhance their competitive edge. Marie-Christine is passionate about empowering business owners to navigate the complexities of IP with confidence and precision.

This workshop is perfect for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and business owners who want to gain a deeper understanding of IP rights and acquire practical tools to protect and maximize the value of their intellectual property assets.

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David Holland | Marketing & Sales

Unlock transformative strategies with David Holland, founder of Results Rules OK and an esteemed international business coach. This Marketing & Sales Workshop offers practical, results-driven techniques to help you overcome entrepreneurial challenges and seize new opportunities.

Key Insights:

• Defining Your Unique Sales Proposition (USP): Learn how to craft and communicate a compelling USP that clearly differentiates your business from competitors and resonates with your target audience.
• Building an Effective Marketing Strategy: Explore how to develop a comprehensive marketing strategy that aligns with your business vision and mission, leveraging both traditional and modern tactics.
• Understanding Consumer Behaviour: Discover why people make purchasing decisions, including the psychological triggers of fear, uncertainty, doubt, and distrust, and how to address these factors effectively in your marketing.
• Effective Sales Funnel Management: Master the stages of the sales funnel, from initial contact to closing the deal, and learn strategies to optimize each stage for better conversion rates and reduced sales resistance.

About Trainer: David is a distinguished figure in international business coaching, with a remarkable career spanning Engineering, Logistics, Aviation Services, and Recruitment. Since 2003, he has been a pioneer in business coaching, bringing a wealth of experience and practical insights to entrepreneurs worldwide. His coaching programs, developed through Results Rules OK, focus on delivering tangible results and empowering clients to excel in their endeavours.

This workshop is ideal for both seasoned business owners and those just starting their entrepreneurial journey. Whether you’re looking to refine your marketing and sales strategies or overcome specific business challenges, David’s dynamic session will provide you with the tools and inspiration to succeed.

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Daniel Milano Torres | Business Plan

Join Daniel Milano Torres, a seasoned Business & Financial Consultant at the House of Entrepreneurship Luxembourg, for a comprehensive workshop on creating and implementing an effective business plan. This essential session is designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools necessary to craft a solid foundation for their business ventures.

Key Insights:

• Business Plan Structure: Gain a deep understanding of the essential components of a business plan, from the executive summary to the financial study, and learn how to tailor these elements to your specific project.
• Market Research & Analysis: Learn how to conduct thorough market research, including competitor analysis, market trends, and key success factors, to strengthen your business plan.
• Risk Management & Strategic Planning: Discover how to identify potential risks and develop strategies to mitigate them, ensuring your business is prepared for challenges.
• Financial Projections: Master the art of creating detailed financial projections, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow analysis, to demonstrate the viability of your business.
• Practical Tools & Templates: Receive a valuable business plan template and practical tools such as SWOT analysis, PESTEL analysis, and stakeholder mapping to streamline the planning process.

About Trainer: Daniel brings a wealth of experience as a Senior Business Consultant and entrepreneur. His extensive background in business planning and financial consulting has empowered countless entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into successful ventures. Daniel’s workshops are known for their practical approach, providing participants with actionable insights and resources to confidently build their business plans.

This workshop is perfect for anyone looking to develop a comprehensive and persuasive business plan. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert guidance and take the first step toward launching your business with confidence.

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 Neha Bhandari | Dress for Success

Join Neha Bhandari, a personal stylist based in Luxembourg with a Master’s in Fashion Merchandising and Management, for an engaging workshop on dressing for success. This empowering session is designed to help you unlock the secrets of personal style and use clothing as a tool to enhance your professional image and express your authentic self.

Key Insights:

• Workwear Wardrobe: Learn the key elements of building a versatile workwear wardrobe that suits your profession and personal style.
• Colour Impact: Discover how the colours you wear can influence perceptions and enhance your overall presence.
• Wardrobe Essentials: Identify the must-have wardrobe staples and learn strategies for organizing your clothing for ease and efficiency.
• Dressing Do’s and Don’ts: Get practical tips on the essential rules of dressing professionally while maintaining individuality.
• Interactive Wardrobe Review: Participate in hands-on exercises that will help you decode your wardrobe and make clothing an integral part of your personal and professional expression.

About Trainer: Neha, with her background in fashion merchandising and management, brings a unique blend of style expertise and business acumen. Her workshops are tailored to empower women to project confidence and professionalism through their wardrobe choices. Neha’s personal styling approach focuses on aligning outward appearance with inner confidence, making her sessions both practical and transformative.

This workshop is ideal for women looking to refine their professional image. Don’t miss the opportunity to gain insights into the power of dressing and its role in shaping your success.

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Lisa Burke | Public Speaking

Join Lisa Burke, a distinguished presenter, moderator, host, and public-speaking coach, for a transformative workshop on public speaking. This dynamic session is designed to help you build confidence, enhance your communication skills, and master the art of public speaking through practice and self-awareness.

Key Insights:

• Confident Introductions: Learn how to introduce yourself and your ideas with poise, setting a positive tone for any presentation or interaction.
• Effective Communication: Discover techniques for presenting your business idea clearly and compellingly in both short and long forms.
• Engaging Presentations: Master the skills needed to deliver a persuasive pitch and engage effectively with your audience.
• Interactive Exercises: Participate in practical exercises designed to build your confidence and refine your public speaking abilities in a supportive environment.

About Trainer: Lisa is a multifaceted professional with extensive experience as a presenter, moderator, host, speaker, science author, voice-over artist, classically-trained singer, actor, and public-speaking coach. Her approach emphasizes that excellence in public speaking is rooted in practice and internal confidence. By creating a nurturing and interactive space, Lisa helps participants tap into their authentic selves and overcome speaking challenges, blending her diverse expertise to empower individuals in both their business and personal communication.

This workshop is ideal for anyone looking to elevate their public speaking skills and build genuine confidence in their communication abilities. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and practice in a supportive setting.

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Pauline Wirtzler | Employment and Commercial Practice

Join Pauline Wirtzler, Avocat à la Cour and Senior Associate at BSP, for an essential workshop designed to navigate the intricacies of Employment and Commercial Practice in Luxembourg. With her extensive experience in employment law, compensations, benefits, and commercial practice, Pauline will offer valuable insights into managing legal complexities effectively.

Key Insights:

• Employment Law Fundamentals: Understand the core principles of employment law in Luxembourg, including hiring practices, contract formation, working time regulations, teleworking policies, and various types of leave such as maternity, parental, and sick leave. Gain clarity on employer obligations and the processes involved in terminating employment.
• Navigating Employment Challenges: Learn about daily HR matters, including drafting employment contracts and policies, managing employment litigation, and addressing social security issues. Explore strategies for handling collective redundancies, restructuring, and transfer/secondment operations, along with insights into immigration law and visa applications.
• Commercial Practice Essentials: Delve into commercial law aspects such as unfair commercial practices and misleading or comparative advertising. Understand the legal framework surrounding these practices and how they impact business operations.
• Practical Tips and Strategies: Benefit from Pauline’s expert advice on overcoming common legal hurdles and leveraging Luxembourg’s legal environment to your advantage. Equip yourself with practical tips for ensuring compliance and making informed business decisions.

About Trainer: Pauline is an Avocat à la Cour and Senior Associate at Bonn Steichen & Partners with a focus on litigation, employment, compensations & benefits, data protection, and privacy. Admitted to the Luxembourg Bar in 2019, Pauline holds a postgraduate degree in Litigation Law from the University of Strasbourg and a Master’s in Civil Law and Procedures from the University of Metz. Fluent in English and French, she assists international clients with HR matters, employment contracts, litigation, and immigration issues. As a member of the International Bar Association (IBA), Pauline’s expertise and experience make her a valuable resource for understanding and navigating Luxembourg’s legal landscape.

This workshop is ideal for professionals, business owners, and entrepreneurs seeking to deepen their knowledge of employment and commercial law, enhance their compliance strategies, and make informed decisions in Luxembourg’s dynamic legal environment.

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Daniel Tesch | Social Enterprises & Funding Opportunities

Join Daniel Tesch, Director at ULESS and expert in the Luxembourg social economy, for a pivotal workshop on Social Enterprises and Funding Opportunities. Drawing from his extensive legal and managerial experience, Daniel will guide you through the landscape of social entrepreneurship and the key funding avenues available in Luxembourg. His insights will be invaluable for those looking to secure financial support while maintaining a balance between social mission and economic sustainability.

Key Insights:

• Understanding Social Enterprises: Learn about the foundational pillars of a social enterprise, including its social mission, sustainable business model, measurable impact, and reinvestment of profits. Explore examples of successful social enterprises and understand how they differ from traditional businesses and non-profits.
• Funding Opportunities: Delve into the various funding sources available for social entrepreneurs in Luxembourg. From personal investment and love money to public funding, bank loans, microcredits, competitions, and crowdfunding, Daniel will provide an overview of each option’s advantages and challenges.
• Strategies for Securing Funds: Learn practical tips for developing a comprehensive funding strategy. Understand the steps needed to identify the right funding source based on your project’s maturity and sector. Daniel will offer advice on preparing the required documents, navigating application processes, and maximizing your chances of success.

About Trainer: Daniel is the Director of ULESS (Union Luxembourgeoise de l’Économie Sociale et Solidaire), where he champions the interests of social enterprises in Luxembourg. With a career spanning legal, governance, and managerial roles across sectors, Daniel brings a wealth of experience in guiding organizations toward sustainable growth. He holds a Master’s in Distribution and Banking Law from the University of Montpellier I and has served in leadership positions in both the private and public sectors, including over a decade as Director of the Luxembourg Automobile Club.

This workshop is ideal for social entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals in the social economy seeking to explore funding opportunities, develop a robust financial strategy, and align their business operations with their social impact goals.

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Artur Sosna | Networking

Elevate your professional journey with Artur Sosna, Head of Global Expansion at Voltmax SARL and President of the Luxembourg-Poland Chamber of Commerce. Join Artur for an insightful Networking Workshop designed to help you build and leverage a powerful network to drive your success in today’s competitive business landscape.

Key Insights:

• Practical Networking Techniques: Acquire actionable techniques for effective networking, including how to make a memorable impression, follow up with potential connections, and maintain long-term professional relationships.
• Leveraging Cross-Border Connections: Learn from Artur’s extensive experience in cross-border business development across Europe. Gain practical tips on how to connect with diverse stakeholders in economic hubs such as Luxembourg, Germany, France, Denmark, Belgium, and Poland.
• Building a Robust Network: Understand how to strategically expand your network to include influential contacts and key decision-makers, enhancing your business prospects and professional growth.
• Facilitating High-Value Transactions: Explore Artur’s approach to creating and managing high-value connections, based on his success in facilitating transactions worth over 18 million Euros.

About Trainer: Artur is a seasoned expert in global business expansion and networking, with two decades of experience in cross-border business development. As the founder and President of the Luxembourg-Poland Chamber of Commerce, Artur has a proven track record of facilitating successful international transactions and building influential networks. His expertise and real-world experience make him a valuable guide for anyone looking to enhance their networking skills.

This workshop is ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders who want to improve their networking skills and expand their professional connections. If you’re aiming to build meaningful relationships, leverage cross-border opportunities, and enhance your ability to forge valuable business connections, this session will provide the strategies and insights needed to excel in the art of networking.

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September 10, 2024