Monika Makosz Wins 11th Entrepreneurial Woman Project with Lite Bite Bakery

On Monday 18 November 2024, the Luxembourg-Poland Chamber of Commerce (LPCC) held its annual General Assembly and the Grand Finale of the 11th Entrepreneurial Woman Project (EWP) at the Banque de Luxembourg in Luxembourg-Ville.

As reported by LPCC, the evening brought together members, supporters and participants for a celebration of entrepreneurship, camaraderie and achievements.

Following a warm welcome by Katarzyna Białek and a speech by Kateryna Koval from Banque de Luxembourg, LPCC President Artur Sosna delivered an overview of the chamber's achievements over the past year, reflecting on 143 events organised to date. He also shared plans to continue steady membership growth while actively seeking sponsors to support future initiatives.

The presentation also saw the announcement of the upcoming launch of the International Forum of Polish Business Leaders (IFPBL), introduced by Darina Mohamad. This new initiative is designed to foster international collaboration and strengthen connections within the global Polish business community.

LPCC Vice-President Adam Tymofiejewicz then presented a report on the chamber's finances. He outlined a 20% projected rise in membership payments (with eight new members), a 20% rise in sponsorship revenue and a 50% increase in advertisement sales for 2025. The members subsequently voted on key resolutions linked to the LPCC's strategic direction.

The second part of the evening was dedicated to the Entrepreneurial Woman Project (EWP). Project Managers Marta Andrzejewska and Oliwia Gertych thanked the sponsors and trainers for their support. They highlighted the essence of the project: empowering women with no prior business experience to become confident entrepreneurs.

This year's award ceremony featured a keynote speech by Betty Fontaine, CEO of Brasserie Simon, a local family-owned brewery. She spoke candidly about failure as a stepping stone to success and the importance of persisting despite challenges.

One by one, eleven of the thirteen Entrepreneurial Woman Project participants took to the stage to receive their diplomas. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the Best Business Idea Presentation winners:

1st prize (€3,000, sponsored by AKD): Monika Makosz, receiving the prize from Nicolas Gordi-Lopez, Marketing & Communications Officer at AKD;
2nd prize (€2,000, sponsored by ATOZ): Tamara Dzhanashiia, receiving the prize from Petya Dimitrova, Partner at ATOZ Tax Advisers Luxembourg;
3rd prize (€1,000, sponsored by BSP): Monika Ruseva, receiving the prize from Pauline Wirtzler, Avocat à la Cour and Senior Associate at BSP.

During the event, first prize winner Monika Makosz pitched her business idea, Lite Bite Bakery, to the audience, presenting her story and vision.

Chronicle.lu had the opportunity to speak with Monika to learn more about her project and her EWP experience.

Chronicle.lu: What can you tell us about the winning project and the inspiration/motivation behind it?

Monika Makosz: The winning project, Lite Bite Bakery, is about creating a space where everyone, regardless of dietary restrictions, can enjoy high-quality, delicious pastries without compromising their health. The inspiration stems from a deeply personal place. When my son turned one, I started baking as a hobby to create a special cake for him. This small act ignited a passion for baking that evolved over the years. Later, I completed an Intensive Professional Pastry Program at the Ferrandi School in Paris, where I refined my skills. After, I also finished B-Concept Pastry course at Jordi Bordas Pastry School. I learned to innovate with healthier alternatives to traditional recipes. Finally, the dietary restrictions encountered by my daughter made me rethink deserts with the intention to make them available for her and other people with similar health concerns. Lite Bite Bakery reflects this journey: a blend of love for family, passion for baking and a commitment to health-conscious indulgence.

Chronicle.lu: Please tell us more about the sector in which you have developed your business plan.

Monika Makosz: Lite Bite Bakery operates at the intersection of two rapidly growing sectors: health-conscious food and artisanal baked goods. The demand for low-gluten, lactose-free and diabetic-friendly options has skyrocketed as people become more aware of dietary health. Luxembourg is an ideal location for this concept due to its health-conscious and diverse population. The bakery sector here is rich in tradition but does not fully embrace the modern options tailored to dietary needs. Lite Bite Bakery aims to fill that gap by combining the charm of artisanal baking with innovative recipes designed for health-conscious individuals.

Chronicle.lu: How would you compare yourself (or your product/service) to other actors on the market (potential competition)? And what would you consider to be your unique selling point (USP)?

Monika Makosz: Compared to traditional bakeries, Lite Bite Bakery stands out by prioritising health without compromising taste. While other bakeries might offer the occasional lactose-free or gluten-free or vegan item, our entire menu is designed for people with specific dietary restrictions, including diabetes, gluten intolerance and lactose and histamine sensitivity.

Our unique selling point (USP) lies in our ability to deliver high-quality, indulgent desserts tailored to these needs. Every product developed by us is based on premium ingredients, innovative techniques and a deep understanding of how to balance health and flavour.

Chronicle.lu: What have you learned and/or gained from the EWP programme? Which sessions did you find the most helpful, and why?

Monika Makosz: The EWP programme has been transformative. It provided me with the tools to refine my business plan and prepare Lite Bite Bakery for a competitive market. One of the most valuable aspects was the mentorship and networking opportunities. Engaging with experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts helped me sharpen my go-to-market strategy and identify opportunities for growth.

The sessions on Business Model Canvas, Intellectual Property and financial planning were especially impactful. The marketing sessions taught me how to effectively communicate my brand's story and leverage social media to reach a broader audience. Financial planning gave me the confidence to forecast revenue and manage costs effectively, ensuring Lite Bite Bakery is not just a great concept but will become a sustainable business.

Chronicle.lu: Please tell us about your future plans - do you hope to be able to develop your proposed product/service further?

Monika Makosz: The future for Lite Bite Bakery is exciting. In the short term, we would like to focus on developing state-of-the-art production facility, followed by a flagship store in Luxembourg and an online shop. We also plan to introduce branded low-gluten and lactose-free baking mixes so customers can recreate our flavours at home. Additionally, I see opportunities for collaborations with health-focused organisations, such as gyms and diabetic clinics, to broaden our impact. Our ultimate goal is to position Lite Bite Bakery as a leader in health-conscious desserts, proving that indulgence and health can go hand in hand.