Helena Kohoutová - Recognition of Czech Businesswomen, Leaders, and Exporters
www.posiv.cz ǀ 99
WOMAN
circumstances. Often, they choose entrepreneurship
because they love their work and want to pursue it
without corporate battles. These women want to
do what they believe in. Through our project, we
aim to tell them that their dreams and visions are
achievable, that anything is possible within their
reach. This forms the core message and mission
of our project.
Can you describe the selection and evaluation
process for OCP?
Companies that meet the OCP criteria are assessed
based on the CRIBIS index—a multi-source indicator
evaluating financial health—and must also pass
the nomination by our expert guarantor, CRIF – Czech
Credit Bureau. For those entering independently,
they must meet all competition conditions. Czech
female business owners holding 100% ownership
(without foreign capital), with an annual turnover
of at least 10 million CZK and a four-year minimum
record of double-entry bookkeeping are eligible
to join the project for free. Jury and economic
evaluations are weighted 50:50. For this year,
17,312 companies met the project criteria, with
2,670 semifinalists nominated. Over 16 years,
304,079 businesswomen have participated, with
14,128 semifinalists, 1,136 finalists, and 187 winners.
For inspiration, in 2023, 106 women reached
the finals, demonstrating growth despite challenges,
with a combined revenue of three billion CZK and
nearly 1,700 employees.
What support does OCP offer?
OCP is part of the Helas Business Platform, which
includes other projects like the Czech Leaders
and Czech Exporters Awards, as well as clubs like
the Helas New Encounters Club and Helas Ladies
Club. Together, these create a strong community
of experts and leading firms, providing participants in
OCP and related projects with significant consulting
resources for business growth. The shared motto
of all projects is “Building a Proud Czech Republic,”
aiming to cultivate the Czech business environment,
support and recognise Czech companies, with
a focus on ethical business practices.
Helena, thank you for the interview.
“
Women are signicant employers,
and their approach enriches the business
and social fabric of our country.
”