20 winning business ideas from the second cohort of the REDpreneur Women programme receive €140,000 in grant funding

On 15 May, the final stage of the second cohort of the REDpreneur Women programme took place — a pitching event during which participants presented business ideas developed throughout the training programme as they strengthened their projects, business models and entrepreneurial skills to support the economic resilience of communities.

During the pitching session, participants presented their business plans to an expert jury, showcasing initiatives in the fields of education, environmentally sustainable production, social entrepreneurship, agriculture, technology, healthcare, local manufacturing and inclusive services.

Following the evaluation, 20 winners were selected to receive grant funding of €7,000 each to launch and develop their businesses.

The winners of the second cohort include businesses and social initiatives from different regions of Ukraine that combine innovation, environmental sustainability and social impact. Among them are the customised orthopaedic insole manufacturer Foot Centre, the family workshop PLYN, the artisanal honey and beekeeping products brand A Treat from Mrs Bee, the leather accessories brand TASHKA, the Time4dog canine training centre, the environmentally sustainable manufacturing company EKOIN, and the Pini-Kay fuel briquette producer.

Support was also provided to digital and technological solutions, including the Dobrolik SaaS platform for non-profit organisations, the Zorotrek robotic eye-tracking platform, the MaMaDi STEM and EMBDILab educational spaces, as well as the production of innovative Kevlar concrete products. Among the winners were also socially oriented initiatives in rehabilitation, inclusion and psychosocial support, including a canine-assisted therapy space in Odesa, the inclusive express massage venue LegkeTilo, and Savinsky Family Clinic.

The jury also highlighted environmentally focused and local initiatives, including the social and environmental enterprise Mrs Worm, a plastic collection and recycling service, the Design Code of Ivano-Frankivsk initiative, the production of natural dehydrated meals under the Pasternak brand, and LevAron ReBorn, which produces children’s toys using upcycled and environmentally friendly materials.

Throughout the programme, participants completed training modules, took part in mentoring sessions and practical workshops, and worked on refining their business ideas. The training focused on strengthening practical knowledge in entrepreneurship, financial and marketing planning, the use of digital tools, and the development of sustainable business models.

REDpreneur Women supports women seeking to grow their businesses, introduce innovative solutions and create socially responsible initiatives that contribute to community development and Ukraine’s economic recovery.

REDpreneur Women is implemented by the Ukrainian Red Cross in partnership with the Austrian Red Cross, with the support of the Austrian foundation NACHBAR IN NOT and the Austrian Development Agency. The educational and mentoring components of the programme are delivered in partnership with the Ukrainian Future Business Incubator.