The Ukrainian Red Cross branches have received the first grants to support social entrepreneurship under the REDpreneurUA programme

The “Strengthening the Resilience of War-Affected People through Business Development and Social Innovation” programme, REDpreneurUA, has reached a new milestone. Ukrainian Red Cross teams from 10 regions of Ukraine and Kyiv have received the first instalment of grant funds for the development of social enterprises.

This funding will enable the teams to begin implementing their business ideas aimed at supporting communities and vulnerable groups. The projects include social laundries, charity clothing shops for low-income groups, innovative spaces for children, educational centres, and hygiene services for internally displaced persons (IDPs).

A special feature of the programme is the long-term support provided by mentors, who will accompany the teams at all stages of implementation. Mentors — experts in marketing, finance, and legal matters — will assist in adapting business models, developing effective promotion strategies, and overcoming challenges. Among the coaches and mentors supporting the Ukrainian Red Cross teams in the implementation of the REDpreneurUA programme at the local level are Yulia Kirsanova, Oleh Duma, Olena Vorona, Andriy Honcharov, Myroslava Kvasnytsia, Taras Levytskyi, Oleh Levchenko, Kateryna Pokhyliuk, Kateryna Uvarova, and Olesia Marchuk.

“We believe these projects will serve as an example of how social entrepreneurship can provide sustainable support to communities, even in crisis conditions,” stated the programme organisers.

This stage marks only the beginning of a long journey. In 2025, the teams will continue to develop their social enterprises to achieve sustainability and provide long-term support to vulnerable populations.

The REDpreneurUA programme demonstrates that even in challenging conditions, it is possible to create innovative solutions to support Ukrainians.

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