80 decisive steps towards a dream: The finale of the Dream and Achieve program

The highlight of the Dream and Achieve program was Demo Day, during which participants showcased their business ideas. Photo: Impact Force/Oleksandr Piliugin

The full-scale war has brought Ukrainian women not only losses and pain but also a challenge: to start anew. They are faced with the need to change professions, launch their businesses, and regain a sense of stability and control over their lives. It is from these urgent needs that the idea for the Dream and Achieve educational program was born—an initiative that has served as a safe starting point for many women navigating difficult circumstances.

The program was designed for internally displaced women who have lost their jobs, businesses, or income due to the war. Its goal is to teach participants how to create or grow online businesses, while also providing real financial support of USD 1,000 upon completion of the training. This initiative was implemented by Impact Force in partnership with UN Women, with additional support from the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office, and the national project Diia.Business, and funding from the governments of Iceland and France.

This is the second season of the program. This year, over 2,500 women expressed their desire to participate—three times more than last year. From this group, 80 participants were selected, each with her own challenging story and immense motivation. Some have experienced homelessness, others have lost their businesses, and some have struggled with their self-esteem. However, they all now have the opportunity for a fresh start.

During the intensive three-month training, the women learned the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, financial planning, online sales, marketing, and utilizing digital platforms.

The initial results from the survey of participants, conducted after they completed the program, revealed that:

• 91% of participants became more confident in their abilities and knowledge to start or develop their online business.
• 76% of participants already have a registered business or plan to register after completing the program.
• 56% of participants found their first clients or increased their number by at least 1.5 times.
• 40% of participants have already had their first profit from their business or increased their level during the program.

The program concluded with a Demo Day that was filled with emotion, innovative ideas, and confidence. Ten finalists showcased their business concepts and shared their personal stories, illustrating their transformation from the start of their studies to the launch of their projects. The event included an open discussion with business leaders and entrepreneurs from Softserve, Jerelia, and Musthave, who shared their experiences, insights, and practical advice on building their businesses, pursuing professional growth, and fostering a supportive ecosystem for women in business.

The Dream and Achieve program stands out for the diverse range of businesses its participants have started or developed. These include an inclusive design studio, a craft production business specializing in clothing, hats, jewelry, accessories, decor, toys, and desserts. Participants also come from the beauty industry, founding various educational platforms and projects, as well as yoga, meditation, and fitness studios. Additionally, photographers involved in the program empower women to embrace their uniqueness and inner strength through their art. The educational program has also spurred the growth of several other ventures, including a law firm, an event agency, a graphic design studio, a coffee shop with a social mission, a cleaning service, and a company specializing in machine plastering services.

Nina Levchuk, co-founder of Impact Force. Photo: Impact Force/Oleksandr Piliugin

According to Nina Levchuk, co-founder of Impact Force, the main achievements of the Dream and Achieve program extend beyond the knowledge gained by participants. The program has also led to a profound internal transformation for each individual. She stated, "The most valuable aspect is not the financial planning certificates, but the sparkle in the eyes and the newfound confidence of the participants. When a woman who previously didn’t know where to start can now discuss strategies for scaling her brand, that is a true achievement."

Sabine Freizer Gunes, UN Women Representative in Ukraine. Photo: Impact Force/Oleksandr Piliugin

“Women's entrepreneurship plays a crucial role during times of war and economic recovery. As Ukraine rebuilds, businesses led by women are creating jobs, providing financial stability, and fostering community resilience and innovation. Women entrepreneurs introduce new solutions, support social enterprises and civil society, and promote the sustainability of local economies, making them key contributors to the country's recovery. The Dream and Achieve program has become not just a learning experience but a gateway to new opportunities, ambitions, and successes in their entrepreneurial journeys. At UN Women, we strongly believe that investing in women entrepreneurs is investing in the future. This is part of our overall message to all women in Ukraine – ‘Of Course, You Can!’,” emphasized Sabine Freizer Gunes, UN Women Representative in Ukraine.

Liudmyla Mishchenko, a Dream and Achieve program participant and founder of the clothing brand “Z.LIUKA”. Photo: Impact Force/Oleksandr Piliugin

“I am infinitely grateful to the project — these were incredible transformational months! So much knowledge, so many insights! At first, everything seemed incomprehensible and a little scary, but now I know for sure: I am in my place. I came up with one idea, and I found a true calling — a business that my soul is passionate about. And with that came a feeling of harmony, confidence, and inspiration. I am creating my business from scratch, and there are already the first sales, a queue for pre-orders, and this is just the beginning. My new life began here,” shared Liudmyla Mishchenko, a program participant and founder of the clothing brand “Z.LIUKA”.

Partner companies such as SoftServe, Unilever, Dzherelia, Laba, Digital Data Consulting, MustHave, and Art Bro, along with media partners Ukrainky, Rubryka, and Womo.ua, supported the final event.

“We believe that beauty should be a source of self-confidence, not anxiety. The mission of the Dove brand is to increase women's self-esteem and help them unlock their potential. That is why we are always happy to support such educational projects that provide women with development opportunities”, said Alina Diumina, Marketing Manager of the Personal Care category at Unilever Ukraine.

Today, as Ukraine fights for freedom, every new women's business represents a step toward economic stability and support for families, communities, and the state. It exemplifies how one can dream, act, and achieve—despite all challenges.