Educational program “Dream and Achieve” is back: call for applications for women is open

The educational program “Dream and Achieve” announces the start of applications. The program is aimed at supporting Ukrainian women affected by the full-scale Russian invasion. Participation in the program provides an opportunity to gain the necessary knowledge and skills to create or develop an online business, as well as financial support in the amount of $1,000 upon completion of the program.

The Educational program “Dream and Achieve” is implemented by the NGO Impact Force in partnership with UN Women, with the support of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office, and the national project Diia.Business, with financial support from the governments of Iceland and France.

Apply for the program here. Application deadline is December 1, 2024 (inclusive).

“Ukraine is a country of entrepreneurs who, even in the most difficult times, continue to create new opportunities and adapt to challenges. The Dream & Achieve program is a joint initiative supported by the Ministry of Digital Transformation, UN Women, Impact Force and international partners to help women gain the knowledge, tools and funding to grow their businesses. We strive to create conditions in which each business becomes not only a personal success, but also a contribution to the recovery of our economy and the country as a whole,” emphasized Valeria Ionan, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation for European Integration.

The program offers a comprehensive three-month training, which includes 13 intensive online modules on such topics as digital marketing, business strategy, and implementing sustainable, socially responsible business models. Participants will gain knowledge to create and promote their own business online, to adapt existing business ideas to new markets and audiences, and convert offline businesses to online format. The program is open to individuals with initial ideas or existing businesses seeking to scale. In addition, participants will receive mentoring support to help them better assimilate the knowledge gained and successfully implement it in their business.

“At UN Women, we believe that entrepreneurship and business are not just personal or economic activities, they are powerful tools for driving societal change and promoting gender equality. Supporting women entrepreneurs goes beyond helping individuals. It uplifts families, strengthens communities, and boosts economies. This is why educational programs like Dream and Achieve are so important. Dream and Achieve offers a space for development, learning, and collaboration, as well as additional funding to support women-led businesses,” emphasized Julia Broussard, Deputy UN Women Representative in Ukraine.

“Today, more than ever, it is important to support Ukrainian women affected by the war. They face numerous challenges, from losing their source of income to increasing responsibility for their families. That is why we strive to provide them not only with the opportunity to restore financial stability, but also to create conditions for sustainable development. The Dream and Achieve program is designed not only to impart new knowledge, but also to show women that their ideas, work and aspirations matter. We want this program to become a starting point for many of them on their way to owning their own business, to help them feel confident in their abilities and take a step towards a future where they can realize their potential and inspire others,” says Nina Levchuk, co-founder of Impact Force.

Selection criteria

Participation is open to Ukrainian women over the age of 18 who have been affected by the war, including internally displaced people, single mothers, veterans and other vulnerable categories who have lost their income or are at risk of losing it. Particular attention will be paid to participants from the East and South of Ukraine, as well as those who already have existing businesses.

The program also offers participants financial incentives in the form of vouchers to start or develop their own businesses. The financial support, combined with the training program and mentoring support, will help overcome the psychological and economic barriers caused by the war and create conditions for the economic and social recovery of the program participants.

“Dream and Achieve” 2023

Last year, 80 Ukrainian women expanded their potential, successfully implemented business ideas, started their own businesses, and achieved significant results in the development of their projects. After completing the program, 98% of the participants reported a significant improvement in their knowledge and skills in business and the digital economy, which allowed them to develop their own projects more confidently, attract new customers, and find new markets. The knowledge they gained helped them not only structure business ideas but also successfully implement them, increasing their financial stability and confidence in the future. One-third of the women increased their income immediately after completing the program.

“The program was like a breath of fresh air for me. The eleven modules I took opened up space for me to develop. I liked the module on social media marketing the most. The program helped me to realize that there are many opportunities around me, which I just need to know how to use,” comments Margarita Yakovenko, the “Dream and Achieve” last year program participant and founder of the Baby_Mriya_ children's showroom.

More information about the educational program "Dream and Achieve" is here and will be available soon on the website.