Support for veterans, development of female entrepreneurship, and evidence-based policy-making on the basis of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor study
During wartime, there is a growing need for solutions that not only respond to challenges but also create new opportunities for growth. The Inclusive Economy initiative, implemented as part of the Good Governance Fund and funded by UK International Development from the British government, is one such solution. The project was implemented by Abt Global and the Foundation for Support of Reforms in Ukraine, combining efforts in three areas:
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the development of women's entrepreneurship;
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support for veterans;
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evidence-based policy formation based on the basis of GEM (Global Entrepreneurship Monitor).
‘Grow 2.0’ — a training programme for the development of women's entrepreneurship
In 2024, more than 250 women from different parts of Ukraine participated in the Grow 2.0 training programme. They were trained, got mentoring sessions, coaching, counselling, and, most importantly, went through an inner transformation. The programme gave them not only knowledge, but also self-confidence, faith in their business and a clear vision of the way forward.
Achievements:
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Over 60% of participants reported an increase in profits within 2–3 months after completing the training.
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Over 50% created or updated their brand, launched new products, and expanded their customer base.
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25% of participants began scaling their businesses through wholesale partners or marketplaces;
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11 podcasts were recorded, in which participants shared stories of turning their hobbies into profitable businesses;
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3 collaborations between participants were implemented, where one business strengthened another — for example, fabric scraps from coats became material for caps sold in one showroom.
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The final fair in Kyiv brought together dozens of participants who were able to showcase their products, establish new partnerships, and receive feedback from the market.
GEM — Global Entrepreneurship Monitor in Ukraine
For the first time in history, Ukraine has fully participated in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) study. The results were presented at a global forum in Bilbao alongside 50 other countries. A public presentation was also organised in Ukraine, attended by representatives of government, business and expert circles. The study provides a clear understanding of how the entrepreneurial ecosystem has changed during the war, what barriers exist for women and veterans, and what is holding back business development in the regions. This data is already being considered in the formulation of government policy.
Support for veterans — career guidance course
For many veterans, the transition to civilian life is no less difficult than combat missions. One of the key initiatives of the project is the course ‘Career Guidance for War Veterans.’ Its goal is to support war veterans in determining their professional path.
As part of the project, the team actively engaged businesses by holding consultations, round tables, and workshops for HR specialists. These events helped large companies better understand the needs of veterans.
The ‘Inclusive Economy’ project proved that with support, community, and self-belief, anything is possible. It created space for personal, professional, and social growth.
