About the Project
In early 2024, Germin launched an exciting initiative called “Diaspora Supporting Albanian Women Entrepreneurs,” with support from the U.S. Embassy in Tirana’s Small Grants Program. This program connects seasoned mentors from the Albanian diaspora with women entrepreneurs back home, tackling some of the key challenges these women face, such as limited access to digital tools, funding, and opportunities for international growth. A standout pairing from this initiative was between Arta Statovci, an AI and Strategy expert based in London, and Eldisa Cirogu, co-founder of the Albanian startup Commercey/Bot Medics Care. Their collaboration led to remarkable results.
Goal: From Local to Global, Traditional to Tech-Driven
Eldisa Cirogu had a clear vision for her healthcare startup: she wanted to scale her business and compete on a global scale. However, she faced a tough situation. On one hand, the global healthcare industry was rapidly evolving with AI technologies, creating intense competition and high barriers to entry. On the other hand, despite her determination to embrace a tech-first approach, Eldisa struggled to keep up with the larger players in the market due to limited expertise and resources in advanced AI.
Action: Embracing AI to Scale Up
To overcome these hurdles, Arta crafted a mentorship strategy based on three key principles:
- AI-Powered Design Thinking & Product-Market Fit: They used AI to dig deeper into the root causes of challenges and refined the product offerings to cater to both local and global markets.
- Investor & Revenue-Driven AI Roadmap: Together, they set ambitious targets for AI implementation, aiming for measurable results within 100 days—outcomes that would grab the attention of investors and clients alike.
- No-Code AI Upskilling: They started by validating demand and achieving results using no-code AI tools, which don’t require extensive technical skills, and then planned to collaborate with AI companies for further growth.
100-Day AI Results: Growth and Efficiency
By following this strategic approach, Commercey/Bot Medics Care made impressive strides, transforming from a traditional healthcare startup into a robust AI-driven health tech company. In just 100 days, they reported a 25% increase in ROI, a 20% boost in their client base, and a 30% reduction in operational costs. This transformation not only improved efficiency but also demonstrated how AI can enhance customer service through personalized, data-driven solutions. As a result, Commercey/Bot Medics Care emerged as a competitive force in the global health tech arena, showcasing the significant impact that AI can have in empowering women entrepreneurs.
A Word of Advice
Eldisa has some encouraging words for women entrepreneurs, especially those transitioning from traditional backgrounds: “Don’t be afraid of AI. The right mentors will help you navigate the challenges, grow your business, increase your revenue, and enhance your brand—no matter your tech skills or industry experience.”
Next Steps: Building a Supportive Community for Women Entrepreneurs
The “Diaspora Supporting Albanian Women Entrepreneurs” project has shown that women-led startups can overcome various challenges and find their place on the global stage by leveraging mentorship and AI, even without deep tech expertise. The beauty of this mentorship model lies in its ability to offer personalized support while remaining scalable. It encourages collaboration within a community, allowing women to create, share, and succeed together. Both Arta and Eldisa, along with Germin, are excited to continue this journey and explore more purpose-driven collaborations. With the support of program sponsors and investors, they aim to create new opportunities for other women entrepreneurs. For more information, feel free to reach out to Germin, AI & Strategy mentor Arta Statovci, or mentee and co-founder Eldisa Cirogu.
