Solutions for Ukraine: new support program aims to empower women entrepreneurs in agribusiness

Ukrainian business owners are encouraged to participate in the "Empowering Women in Agrifood" mentoring program for women in agribusiness, sponsored by EIT Food and the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).

The Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine reports this.

What is the problem?

Mining, loss of land, equipment, products, problems with "grain corridors"—these are only some of the challenges faced by farmers this year. The 2024 agricultural year will be no less stressful for the agricultural sector.

Furthermore, the agricultural sector is experiencing a shortage of labor as thousands of men and women are currently deployed at the front.

Nevertheless, maintaining food security is the key goal of agricultural producers in Ukraine.

What is the solution?

Ukrainian entrepreneurs are invited to join the mentoring support program for women in agribusiness, "Empowering Women in Agrifood," by EIT Food, which is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).

How does it work?

To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Identify as a woman;
• Reside in and have registration in Ukraine (for startups/companies);
• Have an agri-food business idea or an already established business registered for less than three years;
• Not have received more than €60,000 in previous funding for the proposed idea (investments or grants).

During the program, each participant will receive one thousand euros in financial assistance for travel and accommodation during offline events.

In addition, the best projects will receive grants of €5,000 and €10,000 to develop their own businesses.

Within 6 months, 10 selected participants will receive:

• individual work with mentors,
• participation in offline events and trainings,
• development of business skills,
• increase in partner contacts.

The program is implemented simultaneously in various European countries and will unite more than 500 agricultural innovators.

How to participate?

To join the program, one needs to be selected and submit an application for participation in Ukrainian by May 24, 2024. Participation in the program is free, and the organizer covers all costs.

The training will take place in an online and offline format – three meetings are pre-planned in Kyiv.

More information at the link.

For reference:

It should be noted that in the Odesa region, farmers sowed fields with five experimental varieties of cotton.

With the help of the USAID Project "Economic Support of Ukraine," experts from the public organization SvitOsvit developed the educational course "Agrosphere" for 10th and 11th grade students. The course aims to enhance the quality of specialized secondary education.