BACKGROUND The role of women entrepreneurs in economic growth and social change continues to dominate recent policy debates on development. But, how does women’s entrepreneurship fuel social and economic development, including job creation and gender equality? What is known about the impact and effects of women entrepreneurship promotion (WEP) policies and support programs? How can private sector and public policy contribute to successful women’s entrepreneurship? Moreover, which WEP policies and practices are sustainable and create inclusive growth and development? GOAL These and related topics will be explored at this international policy & research seminar of the Maastricht School of Management, organized in co-operation with the Maastricht Centre for Entrepreneurship (MC4E) at the University of Maastricht. The main goal of this event is to co-create knowledge and expertise that can feed joint learning, innovative practices and evidence-based policymaking for successful women’s entrepreneurship promotion and gender-just inclusive growth. THEMES • Policies and practices for women entrepreneurship promotion: evidence of impact? • Private sector development programs: best practices and instruments that work for women entrepreneurs • Empowering women entrepreneurs in the value-chain: best practices and challenges • Women’s entrepreneurship promotion in conflict zones • Feminist perspectives on entrepreneurship: its potential for transformative economies • What works? Public and private collaboration and market driven practices for women’s entrepreneurship promotion. • Measuring policy impact on gender justice and inclusive growth: what is the return of investing in women entrepreneurs? INVITATION TO SUBMIT PAPERS Papers are invited on the topics listed above. The deadline for submissions of abstracts of no longer than 400 words is 10 March 2014 and should be sent to: research@msm.nl. Abstracts should be accompanied by short biography. All abstracts will be reviewed by a selection panel from the Maastricht School of Management and MC4E. Preference will be given to new papers since all papers selected for presentation will be considered for a special publication on the topic. Accepted papers are due by 28 April 2014. There is no registration fee. KEYNOTE SPEAKERS & PROGRAM Entrepreneurs from the Netherlands and developing countries, academic researchers, policy actors and development practitioners from leading institutions and organizations will be invited. Information regarding the key note speakers and details about the program will be provided at a later stage.