“AI & Digital Commerce for Women” – a new global initiative will be implemented through a collaboration between Business and Technology University and Mastercard.
AI & Digital Commerce for Women initiative is a 12-month pilot program designed to empower women entrepreneurs across Georgia by equipping them with the practical skills, tools and support needed to build sustainable, AI-enabled e-commerce businesses. Through a carefully structured and highly practice-oriented approach, the program supports a selected cohort of 25 women in transforming early-stage business ideas into fully operational online ventures integrated with secure digital payment systems.
At its core, the initiative seeks to bridge gaps in digital participation, financial inclusion and entrepreneurial opportunity by combining financial literacy, digital commerce education and artificial intelligence. Participants are not only introduced to modern AI tools for marketing, automation, analytics and business development, but are also guided through the full process of creating and launching real online businesses. The program emphasizes accessibility and inclusivity, with a strong focus on regional representation and the participation of women from diverse backgrounds across Georgia.
The program unfolds across five interconnected phases that gradually move participants from learning and experimentation to active market participation. It begins with a selection and onboarding phase, during which participants undergo baseline assessments to identify their digital, financial and entrepreneurial readiness.
The second phase focuses on intensive capacity building through practical training modules covering financial literacy, digital and AI literacy, branding, digital marketing and e-commerce fundamentals. Rather than relying on theoretical instruction alone, the program prioritizes hands-on learning, enabling participants to immediately apply newly acquired skills to their own businesses. Through guided exercises, collaborative learning and real-world assignments, participants begin integrating AI tools into their workflows and developing the first versions of their e-commerce platforms.
Building on this foundation, the third phase centers on the technical development of market-ready online businesses. Participants receive step-by-step support in creating functional e-commerce platforms, integrating digital payment systems, establishing product and logistics structures and improving customer experience design. By the end of this stage, each participant is expected to have a fully operational online store capable of conducting real transactions.
The fourth phase shifts toward market entry and business growth. Through mentorship from industry experts and partners, participants receive support in launching their businesses, attracting customers and strengthening their digital marketing strategies. Networking opportunities and peer learning activities further help participants connect with financial institutions, technology partners and broader entrepreneurial ecosystems, encouraging collaboration and long-term sustainability.
Finally, the program concludes with a consolidation and showcase phase focused on evaluating impact, refining growth strategies and documenting success stories. A final demo and showcase event provides participants with visibility among stakeholders and opens pathways for future partnerships, investment and scaling opportunities.
Overall, the initiative represents more than a training program. It is a holistic economic empowerment model that combines digital innovation, entrepreneurship and financial inclusion to help women actively participate in Georgia’s evolving digital economy. By embedding AI across all stages of business development and emphasizing practical implementation, the program aims to create sustainable income-generating businesses while strengthening the country’s broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
