Ukraine’s Economic Recovery Through Knowledge

The project "Conducting a series of trainings on entrepreneurial and business skills development, practical aspects of entrepreneurial activity, and strategic business development for the war-affected population of Ukraine" was implemented by the All-Ukrainian Civil Society Organization "Poruch" from 2 January to 31 March 2026. Within the project, 32 training events were successfully delivered, aimed at enhancing the entrepreneurial capacity of the population in five key cities of Ukraine: Kharkiv, Kyiv, Odesa, Lviv, and Vinnytsia reaching more than 1,500 participants.

Within the programme, the following were conducted: 20 in-person trainings for 692 participants, including: 5 sessions of the "Start Your Business" programme, 10 sessions of "Business Planning for Entrepreneurs", 5 sessions of "MSME Development Strategy"; and 12 online trainings for a further 817 participants: 4 sessions of "Start Your Business", 6 sessions of "Business Planning for Entrepreneurs", 2 sessions of "MSME Development Strategy".

This blended learning model made it possible to reach a wide audience, ensure flexibility of participation, and provide equal access to knowledge regardless of participants' location.

Within the project, three key three-day training programmes were delivered, designed to address the needs of the war-affected population and micro, small and medium enterprises: "Start Your Business!" (in-person and online), "Business Planning for Entrepreneurs" (in-person and online), "MSME Development Strategy" (in-person and online).

These programmes ensured the step-by-step development of entrepreneurial competencies — from idea generation to building a long-term business strategy.

To maximise the engagement of new and relevant project participants in Kyiv, Odesa, and Kharkiv oblasts, a large-scale information campaign was conducted targeting aspiring entrepreneurs and existing business owners.

The social media advertising campaign generated 1 388 006 advertisement impressions. Advertising reach totalled 387 077 persons.

In total, 1,509 persons participated in the trainings, of whom: 1,252 women, 256 men, 1 other; 148 persons with disabilities, 60 demobilized individuals and veterans, 387 military family members, 381 IDPs, 98 persons aged 55+, 444 plan to start their own business, 927 are active entrepreneurs, 142 plan to restart their own business.

The trainings were delivered by 13 highly qualified trainers, each with in-depth knowledge in the field of entrepreneurship and hands-on experience in launching and developing businesses. They not only professionally covered key topics but also skillfully adapted complex information to the needs of different participant groups. The learning atmosphere was dynamic, friendly, and inspiring, maximising participant engagement in active work, discussions, and team tasks. Based on training results, most participants noted a tangible increase in their knowledge level, confidence in their own abilities, and motivation to start their own businesses.

Furthermore, the participation of active entrepreneurs who openly shared their personal stories proved to be exceptionally valuable for learners. Participants noted that candid accounts of mistakes, fears, and paths to overcoming challenges helped them better understand the realities of the entrepreneurial journey, inspired them to take their first steps, and strengthened their self-confidence. Thus, the combination of practical experience and motivational support became a key factor in enhancing the effectiveness of the programme's training component.

Thanks to the carefully planned organization of the learning process, continuous communication with participants, and the mastery of highly professional trainers, the project significantly impacted the development of entrepreneurial activity among vulnerable population groups in Ukraine, contributing to their economic recovery and social integration.