The project for women entrepreneurs, with a budget of $1 million from the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund, and KSE Foundation; compliance services from Oschadbank JSC— announces new winners.
Stanislava Babich, the director of the vegetarian bakery “Khors” in Kremenchuk, Poltava region. In addition to bread, whole-grain crackers, and cookies, grantee’s production specializes in manufactured seitan (a plant-based meat substitute), peanut paste, apple cider vinegar, vegetable oils, and gluten-free cakes and pastries.
“Khors” is a second-generation family business, — says Stanislava. — Since we are vegetarians, we started the company to meet our basic nutritional needs. We currently use only the best ingredients, are constantly expanding the assortment, and cook with soul and love.”
With grant funds, the entrepreneur will scale up production and increase the number of manufactured products – by buying a convection oven, dough bowl, vacuum, and dough rolling machines.
Maria Yakush, the founder of YAKUSH, brand of glass products from Kyiv. The winner creates tableware and decor from hand-made ecological materials: the products are made using the ancient technology of glassblowing, the history of which dates back to the 15th century.
With grant funds, the entrepreneur will purchase a portable laser engraver to apply logos and inscriptions. This will make the products more unique and the brand more recognizable.
“My goal is for YAKUSH to be known, loved, and bought in every country of the world and to associate us with quality and environmental friendliness. To do this, we are working on expanding the geography, continuing to test ecological packaging, and using recycling technology — we remelt broken glass and give new life to the fragments,” comments Maria.
Valery Kovalska is the founder of the women’s clothing brand Valery Kovalska, Kryvyi Rih. The brand motto sounds like powerful femininity. World celebrities like Cardi B, Pink, Jennifer Lopez, and May Musk wear designer products from the winner. Each collection is complete with meaning, history, and social mission. The brand does not use materials of animal origin and adheres to the philosophy of sustainability (conscious consumption).
The winner will invest the grant funds in the purchase of a laser cutting machine, a steam generator, a hanging iron, and an electric steam iron. The new equipment will modernize the production processes, improve the quality of the products, and allow the brand to be promoted more effectively on the international market.
“During the war, I needed to emphasize and popularize Ukrainian culture through creativity. My dream is to do everything so that the Valery Kovalska brand is associated worldwide with high quality, production ethics, and innovative solutions that reflect the strength of the Ukrainian spirit,” emphasizes Valeriya.
Oksana Bortnyk owns “Komfortbruk,” a producer of paving stones and concrete products in Luboml, Volyn region. The entrepreneur manufactures products using European-style equipment that meets state quality standards. The range of products includes cobblestones of various shapes and sizes, building and partition blocks, curbs, gutters, and concrete rings.
With the grant’s help, the winner will scale up production and increase the volume of manufactured products — she will purchase new molds for the production of paving stones and garden curbs.
“Women in the construction industry are often underestimated, but knowledge and experience prove that these stereotypes can and should be broken,” says Oksana.
Nataliya Kushnir is the head of the “Papiky” farm in the village of Derno in the Volyn region. The winner produces dairy products (yogurts, kefirs, cheeses, etc.) without adding preservatives — only natural starters, bacteria, and enzymes. In addition, the grantee develops educational initiatives for farmers and green tourism.
The entrepreneur will use grant funds to purchase a manure conveyor and a refrigerator. It will help increase farm efficiency and improve product storage conditions.
“My business dream is to create a family farm with its processing and a chain of stores. It will be a place where quality and transparency are the main principles, and family values and traditions are passed down from generation to generation,” says Natalia.
The goal of the project “CREATE!” is to support Ukrainian businesswomen who are engaged in production. According to the program’s results, the organizing committee received more than a thousand applications from Ukrainian businesswomen. The names of the following will be announced gradually.
Funds for the implementation of the grant program are an investment of the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF, formerly Western NIS Enterprise Fund), which supports initiatives to promote reforms in Ukraine and transformative projects.