StudBiz Award for Social Enterprises in Educational Institutions in Ukraine

The School of ME StudBiz Award supports legally registered social enterprises created within educational institutions, strengthening youth entrepreneurship during war and post-war recovery. Selected projects receive equipment grants, mentorship, training, and media exposure to scale sustainable, socially impactful businesses in Ukraine.

The School of ME StudBiz Award is a competitive grant and capacity-building program designed to support existing social enterprises founded within schools, colleges, and vocational institutions. The initiative focuses on empowering young entrepreneurs and strengthening socially driven businesses during wartime and post-war reconstruction.

Program Purpose and Context

The award responds to the urgent need for youth-led economic resilience and social innovation in war and post-war conditions. It supports enterprises that combine educational roots, social impact, and viable business models, enabling them to continue operating, growing, and contributing to community recovery.

What the Award Offers

Selected winners receive a comprehensive support package combining financial, educational, and visibility components.

Financial Support

• Grant equivalent to €2,000 per project

• Provided in-kind as equipment or materials, not cash

• Intended to strengthen operations and support sustainable scaling

Capacity Building and Mentorship

• Structured training program focused on business development

• 20 hours of mentorship with experienced entrepreneurs

• Support in refining business models, management, and growth strategies

Media and Visibility Support

• A professionally produced promotional video for each winner

• Showcases the enterprise’s activities, impact, and social mission

• Helps attract partners, customers, and supporters

Who Is Eligible?

Applicants must meet all of the following criteria:

• Be an existing social enterprise created on the basis of an educational institution

• Operate within a school, college, or vocational education institution

• Be legally registered and actively operating

• Demonstrate a clear social mission combined with business sustainability

• Be led by or strongly involve young people and students

What Types of Projects Are Supported?

Eligible projects should:

• Deliver measurable social value

• Demonstrate business efficiency and operational viability

• Show potential for growth and scaling

• Contribute to community resilience, education, or recovery

Why This Award Matters

• Strengthens youth entrepreneurship during crisis and recovery

• Supports education-based social enterprises with proven models

• Encourages long-term economic and social resilience

• Contributes to Ukraine’s recovery and future development

• Builds practical skills, leadership, and innovation capacity among young people

How the Selection Process Works

1. Application Submission
   Eligible social enterprises submit detailed applications describing their impact and operations.

2. Evaluation by Independent Jury
   Applications are assessed based on:

   • Social impact

   • Business efficiency

   • Scale and sustainability of operations

3. Selection of Winners
   The five strongest projects are selected for support.

4. Grant, Training, and Media Support Delivery
   Winners receive equipment, mentorship, training, and promotional materials.

Tips for a Strong Application

• Clearly explain the social problem your enterprise addresses

• Show evidence of active operations and legal registration

• Demonstrate how the grant will improve efficiency or growth

• Highlight student involvement and educational impact

• Use clear metrics to describe social and business results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Applying with an idea instead of an operating enterprise

• Missing proof of legal registration

• Weak explanation of social impact

• Unclear use of equipment or materials requested

• Overstating impact without evidence

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many projects will be selected?
Five social enterprises will be selected as winners.

2. Is the €2,000 provided as cash?
No. The grant is provided in the form of equipment or materials.

3. Can newly created projects apply?
No. Only legally registered and operating social enterprises are eligible.

4. Who evaluates the applications?
An independent jury assesses all submissions.

5. Is mentorship mandatory for winners?
Yes. Mentorship and training are core parts of the award.

6. Can the enterprise be affiliated with any educational institution?
Yes, as long as it is based within a school, college, or vocational institution.

7. What is the broader goal of the award?
To empower youth entrepreneurship and support social recovery in Ukraine.

Conclusion

The School of ME StudBiz Award offers targeted support to education-based social enterprises that are already making a difference. By combining equipment grants, mentorship, training, and visibility, the program helps young entrepreneurs strengthen sustainable businesses that contribute to Ukraine’s recovery and long-term development.