This grant competition, launched by CSR Ukraine and Activia through the U&WE HUB program, supports Ukrainian women entrepreneurs by funding both business development and mental well-being. Winners receive UAH 100,100, split evenly between psychological recovery and business growth. The program strengthens women’s resilience, supports micro- and small businesses, and promotes sustainable development across Ukraine.

Grant Competition for Ukrainian Women Entrepreneurs: Funding for Business Growth and Mental Well-Being

The NGO CSR Ukraine, in partnership with Activia under the U&WE HUB program, has announced a national grant competition designed to empower Ukrainian women entrepreneurs. The initiative provides financial support, promotes mental health, and encourages sustainable business growth during a time of social and economic recovery.

Program Purpose

The grant aims to:

Strengthen the economic opportunities of women-led micro and small businesses
Support women’s mental health, resilience, and psychological resources
Encourage sustainable, socially responsible entrepreneurship
Help women recover, adapt, and scale their enterprises

Why This Initiative Matters

Women entrepreneurs in Ukraine are vital to:

Community resilience
Local economic recovery
National post-crisis development
At the same time, many face emotional exhaustion, displacement, and financial uncertainty. This grant provides dual support—both psychological and business-focused—to help women thrive personally and professionally.

Grant Structure and Funding Breakdown

The winner receives UAH 100,100 (after taxes), divided equally:

50% for personal recovery & mental health, including:
- Psychological or coaching consultations
- Recovery or educational programs
- Activities supporting emotional balance and resilience
50% for business development, including:
- Equipment, tools, materials
- Services needed for business scaling
- Improvements to business processes

This dual investment model ensures that entrepreneurs grow sustainably while maintaining mental well-being.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligible applicants must:

Be women entrepreneurs
Own a micro or small business in Ukraine
Be tax residents of Ukraine
Provide a complete documentation package
Operate in government-controlled Ukrainian territories
Businesses located in temporarily occupied territories or Crimea are not eligible.

Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be assessed on:

Business development potential
Social value and contribution to communities
Alignment with sustainable development principles
Clear and realistic budget and planning
Feasibility of the implementation timeline
Personal motivation and readiness to grow

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

Prepare Documentation
Gather business ownership documents, proof of tax residency, and any required application materials.
Describe Business Needs
Clearly outline how the grant will support business development and mental well-being.
Develop a Detailed Budget
Ensure 50% is allocated to mental health and 50% to business development.
Submit the Application
Complete the official form and upload supporting documents before the deadline.
Participate in the Selection Process
Applications undergo a structured evaluation based on development potential, social impact, and sustainability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Submitting incomplete documentation
Providing an unclear or unrealistic budget
Ignoring the required 50/50 spending split
Weak explanation of personal motivation
Lack of demonstrated social or developmental impact

FAQ

1. How much funding is provided?
The winner receives UAH 100,100 after taxes.

2. How must the funds be used?
Exactly 50% must support mental health and recovery, and 50% must support business development.

3. Can startups apply?
Yes, as long as they qualify as micro or small businesses and meet residency requirements.

4. Are women in occupied territories eligible?
No. Businesses in temporarily occupied areas or Crimea are not eligible.

5. What types of mental health activities are covered?
Psychologist consultations, coaching sessions, recovery programs, and activities that improve resilience.

6. What business expenses are allowed?
Equipment, materials, tools, and services that improve or scale the business.

7. What is the most important evaluation factor?
A combination of development potential, sustainability alignment, and clear personal motivation.

Conclusion

This grant competition provides a powerful opportunity for Ukrainian women entrepreneurs to rebuild, expand, and care for their mental well-being. By combining financial support with a focus on resilience and sustainable development, the program empowers women to grow their businesses, strengthen their communities, and contribute to Ukraine’s long-term recovery.