Deadline: 06-Mar-2026
The “Start Your Own Business” program by SILab Ukraine is a fully funded, in-person entrepreneurship training for women taking place March 19–22 in Kyiv. It supports women at the idea or early growth stage with practical tools in lean startup methodology, market research, financial modeling, legal basics, and investment readiness. Travel, accommodation, and meals are covered for selected participants.
Program Overview
The “Start Your Own Business” program is an intensive, four-day entrepreneurship training designed to help women launch, restore, or scale sustainable businesses.
The program focuses on practical business development skills, structured planning, and real-world application. It is delivered in person in Kyiv from March 19 to 22.
Selected participants receive:
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Free participation
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Covered travel expenses
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Free accommodation
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Meals during the program
This initiative supports women’s economic empowerment, business resilience, and local economic development in Ukraine.
Program Objectives
The program aims to:
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Equip women with practical entrepreneurial skills
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Strengthen business planning and strategy development
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Improve financial and legal literacy for business owners
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Increase access to partnerships and investment opportunities
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Support sustainable small business creation
It is structured to move participants from idea validation to actionable business strategy.
What Participants Will Learn
1. Lean Startup Methodology
Participants learn how to apply the lean approach to business development.
This includes:
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Testing business ideas quickly
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Reducing financial risk
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Iterating based on customer feedback
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Launching with minimal resources
The lean approach helps entrepreneurs validate demand before making large investments.
2. Target Audience and Market Research
Women will learn how to:
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Define their target customer segments
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Conduct basic market analysis
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Identify competitors
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Evaluate market gaps
Understanding the target audience is essential for product-market fit.
3. Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Participants will:
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Design a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
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Test early-stage products or services
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Collect real feedback
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Improve their offering before scaling
An MVP reduces risk and accelerates market entry.
4. Legal and Tax Aspects of Business
The program covers:
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Business registration basics
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Tax responsibilities
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Legal compliance
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Operational requirements
This ensures participants understand regulatory frameworks and avoid legal risks.
5. Financial Modeling and Business Planning
Women will develop:
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Basic financial projections
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Revenue models
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Cost structures
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Cash flow understanding
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A structured business plan
Financial clarity is critical for sustainability and attracting investors.
6. Partnerships and Investment
The program teaches how to:
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Identify potential partners
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Build strategic collaborations
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Prepare for investment discussions
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Present business ideas confidently
Participants gain insights into funding readiness and partnership building.
Who Is Eligible?
The program is open to women who meet at least one of the following criteria:
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Residents of the Dnipropetrovsk region
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Internally displaced women from the region
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Wives of military personnel or veterans
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Women living in rural areas
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Women from vulnerable social groups
Eligible applicants may be:
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At the business idea stage
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Early-stage entrepreneurs
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Existing business owners seeking growth or recovery
The program supports both startup creation and business expansion.
Why This Program Matters
Women entrepreneurs often face:
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Limited access to capital
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Restricted professional networks
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Gaps in financial literacy
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Structural and social barriers
This program addresses those challenges by combining:
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Practical entrepreneurship education
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Peer learning
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Expert mentorship
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Networking opportunities
By strengthening women-led enterprises, the program contributes to:
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Economic resilience
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Local job creation
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Community development
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Sustainable small business ecosystems
How the Program Works
Step 1: Application Submission
Eligible candidates apply for the program during the open call period.
Step 2: Selection Process
Applications are reviewed based on:
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Eligibility criteria
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Business idea clarity
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Motivation and commitment
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Potential impact
Step 3: Participation in Kyiv (March 19–22)
Selected participants attend the in-person training sessions in Kyiv.
The program includes:
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Interactive workshops
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Practical exercises
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Group collaboration
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Mentorship sessions
Step 4: Business Development Outcome
By the end of the program, participants are expected to have:
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A refined business concept
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A validated market approach
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A structured financial plan
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Clear next steps for launch or expansion
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When applying or preparing for the program, avoid:
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Submitting unclear or vague business ideas
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Ignoring market research
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Underestimating financial planning
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Overlooking legal and tax requirements
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Failing to define a clear target audience
Preparation improves both selection chances and program outcomes.
Key Benefits at a Glance
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Fully funded participation
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Practical entrepreneurship training
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Lean startup implementation
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Financial and legal literacy development
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Investment readiness preparation
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Professional networking opportunities
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Peer support and mentorship
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the program free?
Yes. Participation is free for selected applicants. Travel, accommodation, and meals are covered.
2. Where does the program take place?
The training takes place in Kyiv.
3. What are the program dates?
The program runs from March 19 to March 22.
4. Can women with existing businesses apply?
Yes. The program supports both women at the idea stage and those already running a business who want further development.
5. Is prior business experience required?
No. Women at the concept stage are eligible. However, a clear idea and motivation are important.
6. Does the program provide funding for businesses?
The program primarily provides training, mentorship, and business development support. It prepares participants to attract investment but does not directly provide startup capital.
7. What outcomes can participants expect?
Participants will leave with:
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A validated business concept
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A structured business plan
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Financial projections
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Strategic growth steps
Conclusion
The “Start Your Own Business” program by SILab Ukraine is a fully funded entrepreneurship training designed to empower women in Ukraine with practical tools, financial knowledge, and strategic insight. By combining lean startup methodology, market validation, legal guidance, and investment readiness, the initiative strengthens women-led enterprises and promotes long-term economic resilience.
For eligible women seeking to launch, restore, or scale a business, this program provides a structured pathway from idea to sustainable enterprise.
For more information, visit Public Space.
