Grants, AI and effective networking: highlights from the April webinar cycle for women entrepreneurs
The Ukrainian Red Cross and the UMIND NGO held a large-scale series of educational webinars in April for women entrepreneurs under the Supporting Women’s Economic Empowerment in Ukraine programme.
A total of 2,607 participants from different regions of the country joined the events.
The cycle began with the webinar “How to write a strong grant application: structure and key mistakes”. Grants manager Yuliia Hvozdetska provided a detailed overview of project design logic, from setting objectives using the SMART method to budgeting and risk assessment.
“Funding is not given simply for an idea or abstract development. It is provided for a concrete project with clearly defined goals and results,” the speaker explained.
The topic of mental health and resilience was addressed in the session “Preventing burnout and building team resilience in times of war”. Crisis psychologist Kateryna Krylenko introduced early signs of exhaustion and shared practical tools to help managers maintain team stability in crisis situations.
How to create a product that people love was discussed in the webinar “Design thinking: how to develop a product or service with the customer in mind”. Business coach Tetiana Anufriieva taught participants how to apply empathy tools, map the customer journey, and test hypotheses.
“The client is not looking for a product, but for value. Remember that customers return for value, so you must create it,” she emphasised.
Networking skills were further developed during the practical workshop “Networking: how to present yourself and your business ideas using a clear algorithm”. Facilitator Alina Sevastsiuk created a space where participants practised effective self-presentation and explored partnership-building in real time.
“Building relationships is first and foremost about genuine interest — not in you, your service, or your product, but in the person you are communicating with. Sincere interest,” the expert summarised.
The final event in April was a practical webinar, “The use of artificial intelligence in business”. AI specialist Valeriia Malitska demonstrated how small businesses can use neural networks to delegate routine tasks, generate text, create visuals, and quickly develop new ideas.
The April webinar cycle equipped women entrepreneurs with comprehensive knowledge — from grant planning and design thinking to digitalisation and expanding professional networks. These tools will help women confidently attract investment, engage with audiences, and turn followers into loyal customers.
Register for upcoming online webinars via the link here.
*The activities are held as part of the Supporting Women’s Economic Empowerment in Ukraine programme, implemented by the Ukrainian Red Cross in partnership with the Austrian Red Cross, with the support of NACHBAR IN NOT and the Austrian Development Agency, and with organisational and technical support from the UMIND NGO.
