Despite the ongoing challenges of war, economic instability, and infrastructural disruptions, Ukrainian women entrepreneurs continue to show extraordinary resilience and innovation. From October 2024 to March 2025, the Empowering Women: Digitalisation and Export Acceleration Program supported a new wave of women-led businesses in Ukraine to strengthen their digital capabilities and prepare for export to the European Union.
The programme was designed for female-led SMEs in traditional industries, equipping them with cutting-edge insights from the startup and tech sectors. Implemented by Garage48, EENA – BPW Estonia, and Divergent Woman, with support from the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), the initiative was launched across six regions in Ukraine: Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Poltava, Kirovohrad, Chernivtsi, and Vinnytsia.
HACKATHON PHASE: BUSINESS & ACTIONS PLAN DEVELOPMENT
The program kicked off with a two-week online hackathon, during which 40 women-led small businesses worked intensively on developing digitalisation and export-focused business plans. Participants attended practical workshops, received individual mental health consultations, and engaged in Development Circles – small-group coaching sessions based on the "woman-to-woman" peer support model developed by EENA - BPW Estonia.
The hackathon proved not only a space for learning but also a catalyst
for confidence and connection. Based on the evaluation of their business plans,
16 participants were selected to move on to the second stage – a five-month Acceleration,
offering needs-based mentorship and financial support for business
digitalisation and the implementation of their action plans.
These businesses span diverse industries – from IT to honey production, fashion, and consulting – and represent the bold entrepreneurial spirit of Ukrainian women:
- Global Marketing Project LLC – Market research and analysis for export markets, export consulting, marketing and digital marketing consultations, and export training. (Vinnytsia region)
- Faina Bee – Honey products and desserts (Kharkiv region)
- Kendzer Meat – Craft products and snacks made of turkey meat (Dnipropetrovsk region)
- Vitametria – A personal Health Copilot service: a mobile app that helps users take care of their health by offering an easy and convenient way to monitor key lab test indicators. An integrative approach and preventive practices to help users maintain their health and a high quality of life. (Dnipropetrovsk region)
- Pan Croissant – Handmade sourdough puff pastries using natural ingredients (Dnipropetrovsk region)
- Loofah from Ukraine – Producing loofah sponges for body care and dishwashing. (Poltava region)
- Educational Center "Lavanda" – Educational services for children, youth and women (Poltava region)
- TM Kozatsky Medok & Sweets – Honey and honey-based desserts that represent authentic Ukrainian craftsmanship (Kirovohrad region)
- FOP "Sim A.P." – Consulting and educational services (Kirovohrad region)
- AI Baby Tales – A mobile application that turns children's drawings into magical personalized children's stories (Dnipropetrovsk region)
- StarkSoft – Software solution to provide businesses with a tech consultancy support “from idea to launch” (Kirovohrad region)
- VYTOK – Design and tailoring of beautiful and functional clothing, decorated with elements of Trypillian symbolism (Dnipropetrovsk region)
- Alwair Kids – A brand of functional children's clothing (Kirovohrad region)
- YOU&DEE – Creating embroidered clothing (vyshyvankas)blending tradition with modern styles and individual tailoring. (Vinnytsia region)
- GPK Tactical – Creation of tactical clothing for the military, police, emergency services (Kirovohrad region)
- FOP Inna Katashova – Consulting, training, and mentoring for young entrepreneurs and business promotion specialists in the areas of marketing and social media. (Kirovohrad region)
ACCELERATION PHASE: MENTORSHIP, GROWTH, AND COMMUNITY
Over five months, the participants engaged in thematic workshops tailored to the evolving needs of their businesses: EU legislation, export readiness, logistics; market research, product design, and branding, online sales and e-commerce, financial planning and management. These businesses received a service-based grant to support their digital transformation, alongside ongoing mentorship and skills development.
In addition to technical topics, monthly "Success Stories of Women Entrepreneurs" sessions provided real-life inspiration, while Development Circles continued to serve as a safe space for support, problem-solving, and shared growth.
The stories of women entrepreneurs, who shared their diverse experiences, became a powerful source of inspiration for program participants. Each speaker presented her unique product and strategies, demonstrating how various approaches and bold decisions can lead to building a successful business.
THE GRAND FINALE: EMPOWERING WOMEN BUSINESS CONFERENCE
On March 21, 2025, the program concluded with the Empowering Women Business Conference in Kremenchuk, Poltava region, bringing together over 70 participants interested in advancing women’s entrepreneurship.
This inspiring event gathered participants, mentors, and partners for a day of reflection, connection, and celebration. The event featured panel discussions, interactive workshops, mentoring sessions, and presentations by graduates of the Empowering Women program.
Key moments from the conference:
- Panel discussion on business challenges and opportunities for women
- Introduction to the GROW methodology
- Mentorship sessions in a speed-dating and Q&A format
- Pitching of business projects by the Empowering Women Digitalisation and Export Acceleration graduates
- Networking to build strong business connections
The participants shared successful case studies of entering international markets, leveraging digital technologies to grow their businesses, and implementing effective scaling strategies.
"I’ve been working in the sewing industry for 10 years and now I’m an entrepreneur. Of course, I love what I do, but like every business owner, I face certain challenges – especially since the start of the full-scale invasion. Still, I have no intention of giving up. I keep working, looking for new opportunities, and I take action whenever I get the chance. Through this program, I discovered new knowledge and support that helped me move forward, and I was able to digitize my business.”
– Yuliia
Pidlubna, YOU&DEE
“What did participation in the program give us? First and foremost – us, for each other. A solid support. The realization that we’re all rowing in the same boat. A sense of scale and strength. Inspiration and motivation. Knowledge and skills. The experience of pitching your own project on a national stage. Six months of working on your own brand and business. Our cozy Zoom calls with a circle of like-minded women. The successes and the setbacks – all of it was part of our shared journey.”
– Inna Katashova
To all the incredible participants: your passion and vigour inspire us all. Thank you for joining the Empowering Women family, investing your time and efforts in learning, and sharing your amazing stories of professional and personal growth. The future is yours - keep going! 👏 👏👏
LOOKING AHEAD
The Empowering Women: Digitalisation and Export Acceleration has already left a lasting mark by equipping women-led businesses with practical tools for growth and export, strengthening a support network of peer entrepreneurs and experienced mentors, and proving that resilience and innovation can thrive even in times of great uncertainty.
On May 2nd, 2025 we launch the 2nd Programme cycle – while refining the model into a more agile, impactful, and inclusive experience for the next group of participants. For the first time, we are opening the programme to participants from all over Ukraine.
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This program was made possible through the collaboration of Garage48, EENA BPW Estonia, and Divergent Woman, with funding from the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV).
Together, we continue to build bridges between Estonia and Ukraine – supporting digitalisation, export readiness, and the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs.
#G48EmpowHer #ESTDEV #FromThePeopleOfEstonia
