The $1 million grant program “CREATE!” from the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund, and KSE Foundation, with the compliance support of Oschadbank JSC and expert assessment by KSE Graduate Business School, announces new winners. The project aims to help Ukrainian women involved in manufacturing to scale their businesses.
Yana Ibadullayeva is the co-founder of BEE&TEA, a craft kombucha production company based in Kyiv. The entrepreneur produces drinks from natural ingredients — without dyes, preservatives, or artificial additives.
With the grant money, the winner will purchase a labeling machine, which will increase production speed and improve the quality of packaging.
“My company is not only about business but also about the desire to offer consumers a healthy drink and create a culture of consumption. I dream of expanding production, fully automating all processes, and entering foreign markets,” Yana shares her plans.
Lesia Palamar owns Yves Fouquet, an artistic furniture production company based in Chernivtsi. The winner’s team creates unique handmade antique furniture in the styles of French royalty.
With the grant money, the entrepreneur will purchase two machines and a painting machine for her varnishing shop. It will allow her to scale and automate the production process.
“Entrepreneurship for me means turning ideas into real products that create social value. It is not only about financial success or personal independence but also about finding solutions to problems and contributing to the development of the economy,” says Lesia.
Anastasiia Burzi is the co-founder of WOOD MOOD, a wood candle production company based in Gostomel, Kyiv region. The entrepreneur produces unique reusable wooden candles of a patented design.
With the help of the grant, the winner will launch a production line of home decor items, including a workbench, a milling cutter, a 3D printer, an industrial dehumidifier, and other necessary equipment.
“My dream is for WOOD MOOD to become a globally renowned brand of sustainable home décor, focusing on candles. The goal is to combine aesthetics, environmental friendliness, and quality, creating products that bring warmth and harmony to every home while supporting sustainable development,” Anastasiia shares.
Natalia Chovgan is the director of production and installation of elevators at Tekhmontazh, Ivano-Frankivsk. The winner’s company manufactures elevators according to standard and individual designs, including the possibility of exclusive cabin design.
The entrepreneur will use the grant money to purchase a powder coating booth and accessories. It will improve product quality and increase the efficiency of production processes.
“My business dream is to go beyond the limitations and dependencies of the market, to create such value for the client that the market would adapt to the opportunities to work with our company in any circumstances,” says Natalia.
Kseniia Fursova is a co-founder of the designer gift brand 1DEA.me, based in Kyiv. For over 12 years, the grantee’s company has been producing gifts, home decor, toys, and puzzles.
With the funds received, the winner will ensure more reliable protection of her products from external factors by purchasing an automatic packaging machine and a thermal tunnel.
“I am inspired by Ukrainian entrepreneurs who continue to develop their businesses, adapt to new challenges, and enter international markets even during the war. Many women in Ukraine today are truly inspiring in their activities and adapting to new conditions,” says Ksenia.
According to the program’s results, the organizing committee received over a thousand applications from Ukrainian businesswomen. The names of the following will be announced gradually.
The Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF, formerly Western NIS Enterprise Fund) invests in funds for the implementation of the grant program. The fund supports initiatives to promote reforms in Ukraine and transformative projects.