On November 19, 2010, the Center for International Private Enterprise Regional Office in Bucharest, Romania conducted, in partnership with the Coalition of Women’s Business Associations, a roundtable to discuss Entrepreneurship in Times of Crisis: 2009 – 2010. The event, organized in conjunction with Global Entrepreneurship Week, was held in Ramnicu Valcea, Romania where approximately 35 women were in attendance. The participants ranged from business owners and managers to entrepreneurs from six women’s business associations, all of which are members of the Coalition of Women’s Business Associations.

At the roundtable various topics were discussed including the evolution and dynamics of Romanian companies, economic obstacles and incentives and their impact on the companies’ competitiveness, as well as prospects for 2011 in dealing with economic crisis. When discussing economic obstacles and incentives each business association was asked to identify three they often encounter from each category. While the lists created by the various business associations had a variety of obstacles and incentives, some common themes did arise. Several women indicated that unpredictable or unreliable legislation along with excessive taxation were among the largest obstacles they experience. Conversely, the women cited personal incentives, such as optimism against all odds, strong motivation, and the will to succeed, as having the strongest influence on their businesses. To view the full list of the women’s responses follow this link. Overall, the event was very well received and included media coverage from local broadcast television stations.

Camelia Bulat, Program Director
CIPE Regional Office, Romania

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