The first selection of business ideas of southern entrepreneurs took place in Mykolaiv

Entrepreneurs from the south of the country took part in a business idea competition. So far, 14 start-up entrepreneurs from Odesa and Mykolaiv regions have been selected.

This was reported by Suspilne.

Entrepreneurs from Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Odesa regions joined the mini-project competition "Early Business Recovery in Southern Ukraine."

The program brought together both experienced businessmen and those who are just starting their own business. The main prize of the competition is a grant of UAH 180 thousand to implement the best ideas.

Project coordinator Anna Ganzhul noted that the first stage of the business idea selection process had recently taken place in Mykolaiv. The jury was presented with their initiatives by 14 start-up entrepreneurs from Mykolaiv and Odesa regions.

The project provides an educational program that includes three training modules, each lasting seven days, and two study visits to successful businesses in the region. Participants learn how to run a business in a time of war, create business plans, and work with investors. At the end of the program, the contestants will defend their projects, and the winners will be able to purchase equipment or cover other development costs.

Out of 463 submitted applications, 56 participants were selected. According to Anna Ganzhul, due to the security situation, entrepreneurs from Kherson are being trained in Mykolaiv, and the program covers two groups in each city - for beginners and experienced businessmen.

Before the war,Hanna Naida from Kherson used to make costumes for concerts. After moving to Mykolaiv, she worked in a sewing workshop for two years. Now she plans to open her own business to not only provide jobs for the displaced but also to teach sewing skills to those who are interested.

Olena Legka wants to restore the family apiary, which was destroyed by the Russian military. The apiary was under occupation, and equipment and tools were destroyed or stolen. She plans to resume honey production and purchase modern equipment. This project also aims to support beekeeping, which is a success for the ecosystem and economy of Ukraine.

Andrii Hdovskyi, last year's winner of the competition, opened a shop selling his own yogurt. He is currently serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and his business operates autonomously. The man encourages entrepreneurs not to be afraid to take risks and participate in such projects.

The project "Early Business Recovery in Southern Ukraine" is being implemented with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) as part of the "Building Public Trust in Ukraine" program.

The competition for grants supported by the U.S. Agency was announced in October. Entrepreneurs in Mykolaiv, Odesa and Kherson regions will be able to receive a grant to develop their business. It is planned to select 26 best business ideas, with 56 participants competing for the grant.

After the selection process, the project team identified the first 14 start-up entrepreneurs from Mykolaiv and Kherson who will compete for support to develop their ideas. They are currently undergoing training, the program of which is focused on learning the basics of entrepreneurship, attracting investment, building a business model, and learning about international practices.

Анна Бальчінос