Empowering Ukrainian women to build thriving businesses

At the end of August 2024, Tehnopol hosted an intensive two-day pre-incubation program as part of the BSI_4Women project Entrepreneurial Gateway, designed to empower migrant and refugee women entrepreneurs. The initiative focuses on supporting women who have been forced to flee conflict zones—war-affected countries, or regions torn apart by armed or political conflicts. For these women, the path to entrepreneurship is not just a career choice but a lifeline, offering hope, stability, and a chance to rebuild their lives in a new country. 

16 women took part in the pre-incubation program and 5 women from Ukraine were selected to advance into a six-month incubation program, where they will receive tailored mentorship and resources to help them scale their ventures. 

“Despite the challenges they have faced, all the women are highly motivated and actively engaged in the program,” said program manager Katrin Senkevitš. “Through the BSI_4Women project, Tehnopol aims to provide participants with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to transform their resilience into entrepreneurial opportunities. Our goal is to help them create something impactful for themselves and their communities.”

Building a foundation for success in Estonia’s business environment 

The pre-incubation program offered participants a comprehensive introduction to Estonia’s business environment and essential entrepreneurial skills. The two-day workshop covered topics like market analysis, team building, and effective marketing strategies. It also provided a space for the women to pitch their ideas and receive valuable feedback from mentors and experts. 

For many, the experience was transformative. Olha Kovalenko, whose business idea revolves around an e-commerce platform for bioactive supplements, said, “The program provided structure to my business idea and helped me focus on the key aspects needed for its success.” 

Anna Lytvyn, founder of Frutiki, reflected on how the sessions expanded her perspective. “We realized the market is much larger than we thought, and we are not utilizing all the existing opportunities simply because we are unaware of many methods and tools.” 

For Dariia Osiik, who is building a media platform for displaced Ukrainian women, the program was a crucial step in turning her vision into a tangible project. “The mentors helped me refine my idea and develop it into a business plan, and their feedback was incredibly motivating,” she shared.

Turning challenges into opportunities for positive change 

For these women, starting a business represents more than financial independence—it’s a way to regain control and build a sense of purpose after experiencing life-altering upheavals. 

Dariia’s mission is deeply personal. “We aim to help Ukrainian women unite and become a driving force in promoting peace and socio-cultural change worldwide,” she explained. “At the same time, this media platform will serve as a vital support system for Ukrainian women, aiding them in adapting to life in a new country, fostering socialization, development, and self-realization.” 

Olha’s business idea stems from her own health journey and a desire to help others. “I’ve experienced the healing power of natural supplements and want to make these products accessible,” she said. 

For Anna, Frutiki is an opportunity to promote healthier lifestyles while growing a sustainable business. “We want to show people that healthy snacking can be both delicious and good for you,” she explained. 

The incubation program will help the women take the next necessary steps 

The next phase in their journey is a six-month pilot incubation program, designed to provide hands-on mentorship, industry connections, and in-depth workshops tailored to each business. 

Anna is eager to scale Frutiki’s operations and reach new markets. “With the incubator’s support, we aim to expand our B2B model and grow our sales across Europe,” she said. “We believe this will help us increase our sales volume fivefold.” 

Olha hopes to leverage the program’s resources to systematically develop her e-commerce platform. “The accelerator will help me stay on track and ensure I’m covering all the critical steps to launch successfully,” she noted. 

Dariia is focused on launching her media platform in the testing phase. “I’m excited to work with mentors who will help turn this vision into a reality,” she said.

A shared journey towards success 

The BSI_4Women accelerator is not just a business program—it’s a transformative journey for these women. Over the next six months, the women will work tirelessly to bring their visions to life, supported by a community that believes in their potential. By providing them with the tools and community to succeed, Tehnopol is contributing to Ukraine’s recovery by helping these women rebuild their lives, creating a ripple effect of positive change. 

“These women have already shown incredible resilience and courage,” said Katrin Senkevitš. “The next six months will be about turning their ideas into impactful ventures. We’re honored to be part of their journey and can’t wait to see what they achieve.” 

Stay tuned as these inspiring entrepreneurs take their next steps, shaping the future of innovation and inclusivity in Estonia. 

Read more about the BSI_4Women project here.