There is a parallel EU-project in Jönköping, in the Employment-Now program, called Empowerment for women which is also chaired by Margit Ferm. The program caters to unemployed women and is designed to get them back on the job market by raising their level of self-efficacy. The empowerment method is used here as well.

There is some cross-fertilization between these two programs. They share the same, computer-equipped facilities. The Employment program uses it on day-time, the EMPAG-program has access on evening and weekends. The programs also participate in the same language classes. There is the practical benefit of obtaining better rates, but there is also the side-effect of entrepreneurs and unemployed women getting to know each other which may possibly result in jobs being filled.

Brobygge Europa

There is an Adapt-program in Gothenburg called Brobygge Europa which is aimed at helping entrepreneurs through the maze of rules surrounding public procurement in the European Union. The project has opened up channels to the city of Hamburg, and to the UN buying office in Denmark. Representatives from the project informed the EMPAG participators on June 2, and some of them were interested in continuing the collaboration.

Swedish network for female innovators

There is a Swedish network for female innovators in many counties, but not in the county of Jönköping. On Sept. 16 there was a meeting to form such a network, and the EMPAG participants were invited.

The purpose is much the same as for EMPAG - information sharing, transnational networking and the development of business and IT skills. This program is another Employment-Now program, sponsored by the EU. The Swedish government is also contributing.