The Veneto leg of the Giro d’Italia delle Donne che fanno Impresa (Tour of Italy for Women in Business), the national roadshow promoted by Unioncamere, Unioncamere Veneto, and the Committee for Women’s Entrepreneurship, with the support of the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy through PNRR funds, concluded today at the headquarters of the Treviso-Belluno|Dolomiti Chamber of Commerce.
The meeting focused on the theme of business continuity, with contributions from experts, institutions, and testimonials from local women entrepreneurs.
The President of the Treviso-Belluno|Dolomites Chamber of Commerce and Assocamerestero, Mario Pozza, opened the proceedings.
Thanks to women entrepreneurs, women who may not appear as such but who are a continuous resource in business, a fundamental resource for our region. As a chamber of commerce, we can count on a valid, active Committee for Female Entrepreneurship, which I care deeply about because it is capable of providing new directions, promoting female entrepreneurship, organizing events such as these, and networking between companies in all sectors, as well as establishing awards on themes of vision and innovation. This means strengthening Made in Italy and strengthening the socio-economic context. Women are a driving force for development, innovation, and continuity.
The data presented during the Treviso stage was commented on by Tiziana Pompei, Deputy Secretary General of Unioncamere, who highlighted- The data from the fifth report on female entrepreneurship in Italy provides a gender-based interpretation of the entrepreneurial phenomenon: 1.3 million businesses, concentrated in traditional sectors such as services, healthcare, social assistance, accommodation, and catering, but increasingly present in emerging sectors such as professional and scientific activities, financial activities, and construction. Women who do business no longer out of necessity, but to realize their own projects and put into practice the skills acquired during their studies. They have a complicated relationship with credit because they rely on their families both financially and as a support network, which, on the one hand, makes them more stable, but on the other hand, slows down investment. Financing and incentives are needed, but in order to increase productivity and grow, it is also necessary to invest in human capital.
The contribution of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Committee
The President of the Women’s Entrepreneurship Committee of Treviso-Belluno, Barbara Barbon, highlighted – four key words that emerged today: numbers, challenges, psychological aspects, and holistic vision.
The numbers tell us that women entrepreneurs are a force to be reckoned with: 1,300,000 in Italy, 15,000 in Treviso, and 3,000 in Belluno. We are a veritable army. We have seen that generational transition is a major challenge, but we have also recognized that women, by nature, know how to face difficult trials in an extraordinary way, often with that quiet strength that does not seek recognition. Women are highly sensitive to the dynamics of relationships, and this holistic vision allows them to guide generational continuity, ensuring economic and social development in our territories.
Testimonials of continuity: emotions, choices, and female leadership
The testimonials of the leading female entrepreneurs were one of the most intense and significant moments of the event. Alessia Miotto (Imesa Spa), Giorgia Camolei (Antica Coloreria Camolei), and Manuela Gazzola (Maglificio Orma Snc) shared profound and authentic journeys, recounting the steps they took, the challenges they faced, and the choices that allowed them to ensure continuity for their family businesses.
It emerged that generational transitions can take different forms: a gradual and natural transition, developed through constant involvement in the company, or a sudden change, requiring quick decision-making, a sense of responsibility, and the ability to take the lead. Their voices revealed courage, emotion, vision, widespread leadership, and new ideas, elements that defined their role as successors and innovators, capable of building a future for local businesses.
Dr. Eva Zanatta gave continuity and depth to the discussion, moderating the meeting, highlighting the contributions of the speakers, and ensuring a lively dialogue.
Speakers included: Paolo Gubitta, Full Professor at the University of Padua, on the Veneto Chamber of Commerce Project: “Business continuity: methodological premises, content, and objectives.”
Cristian Mazzarini, Credit and Finance Area, Confindustria Veneto Est, on the “Family Business Desk” project.
Carlo Ceriana, Director, Confartigianato Imprese Marca Treviso, on the “Going Beyond – Training for Continuity” project.
Silvio Barbon, Director, Confagricoltura Treviso, on the “Facilitation Activities for Business Continuity” project.
