The “CREATE!” grant program, totaling $1,000,000, is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund, and the KSE Foundation, supported by compliance assistance from JSC “Oschadbank” and expert evaluation by the KSE Graduate Business School. The program has announced its latest winners, aiming to help Ukrainian women engaged in manufacturing to scale their businesses.
Kateryna Motrych, founder of the jewelry and accessories brand MOTRYCH STUDIO (Kyiv), produces designer rings, earrings, bracelets, ear cuffs, chokers, pendants, and more. With the grant, she plans to purchase professional equipment and software, which will reduce production costs and enhance product quality.
“I dream that years from now, somewhere across the world, young girls will read the story of our brand’s creation and feel inspired to achieve their own successes,” says Kateryna.
Marina Shevchenko, owner of the pet litter production brand E-KO-T (Kyiv), manufactures eco-friendly products using recycled materials. The grant will enable her to scale production and acquire a powerful packaging machine.
“Success in business requires intelligence, perseverance, and creative thinking,” notes Marina.
Nataliia Herheliuk, founder of the designer clothing brand Gaptuvalnya (Ivano-Frankivsk), incorporates traditional Ukrainian embroidery into her modern designs. With the grant, she will expand production and purchase a professional embroidery machine with an extended embroidery field.
“For me, entrepreneurship is a way to communicate with the world. It is both freedom and a challenge,” says Nataliia.
Olena Kashubina, owner of the wall panel production brand ECLAT (Kharkiv), specializes in manufacturing fire-resistant wall and ceiling panels, along with specialized mounting profiles. She plans to invest the grant funds in a machine for applying various types of coatings, expanding her product range and improving quality.
“My dream is to contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction as soon as possible and enhance fire safety in all buildings using our fully non-combustible panels,” shares Olena.
Olena Khatmullina, owner of the freeze-dried food brand Pojyva (Shumsk, Ternopil Region), produces over 20 types of freeze-dried dishes without preservatives, including borscht, soups, porridges, and dishes with potatoes, meat, and vegetables. She has already used the grant funds to acquire specialized equipment, expand her product range, and automate production processes.
“Entrepreneurship is the love of my life. I cherish the opportunity to realize myself in various fields and bring my ideas and dreams to life,” says Olena.
The “CREATE!” grant program received over a thousand applications from Ukrainian women entrepreneurs, and the names of the winners are announced weekly. The funds for the program are an investment by the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF, formerly Western NIS Enterprise Fund), which supports reform initiatives and transformational projects in Ukraine.