Kyiv Hosted Final Pitch Event for the Third Cohort of the REDpreneurUA Programme
On 15 August 2025, participants of the third cohort of the REDpreneurUA Programme presented their business plans at the RED HUB innovation space in Kyiv. This final stage marked the culmination of several months of work focused on the development, scaling, and support of active small and micro-enterprises with social impact from across Ukraine.
“Social entrepreneurship is more than just business. It is a tool for rebuilding and developing communities — giving people not only income, but also dignity, purpose, and motivation. We believe that supporting small and micro-enterprises is an investment in a sustainable future and the economic recovery of communities. REDpreneurUA is an effective platform to make this happen,” emphasised Olena Skrypnikova, Head of the Innovative Financing and Cash Transfer Programming Unit at the Ukrainian Red Cross.
This year, the programme focused on supporting enterprises that are already operating and looking to expand into new markets, find partners, attract investment, and adopt sustainable growth tools. Participants completed a training programme delivered by the School of ME, received mentoring support, attended hands-on workshops led by leading experts, and took part in inspirational networking sessions.
At the final pitch event, 20 small and micro-enterprises with clear expansion plans were presented. Among them:
- Formotvorchi-toys – a workshop producing 3D-printed toys with a social mission;
- Family Palace – an inclusive family café;
- One True Skateboards – a skateboard and clothing brand that also runs a free skate school for children of veterans;
- ITARA – a craft workshop producing goods from walnuts;
- Pampushka – an online bakery that employs senior women who bake using traditional recipes;
- STEM School, Joy Kindergarten;
- You Can Rehabilitation Centre;
- Krymskyi Dvoryk (Crimean Courtyard) Café;
- Metal Comfort of Life (a social manufacturing business);
- Pangea Veterinary Centre;
- TM POZHYVA (a freeze-dried foods workshop);
- Family Yacht Club (a sailing school);
- Mandry in UA (a social camping initiative);
- eco-friendly cleaning service;
- Food For You (a producer of preserved foods), and others.
These enterprises demonstrate real social impact: they employ internally displaced persons, veterans, and people with disabilities; support children with special needs; strengthen local communities; preserve cultural heritage; and implement environmentally sustainable solutions.
The REDpreneurUA Programme is implemented by the Ukrainian Red Cross in partnership with the Austrian Red Cross, with support from the Neighbour in Need Foundation (Austria).
The final pitch event confirmed that social entrepreneurship in Ukraine is not only alive but actively transforming lives and strengthening communities. REDpreneurUA brings together those who build purpose-driven businesses — generating not only profit but meaningful social impact.
