Apply Now: Impact Projects Accelerator 2.0 for Entrepreneurs (Ukraine)

Deadline: 21-Sep-2026

The Impact Projects Accelerator 2.0 is a free business development programme for entrepreneurs from the Khmelnytskyi Region of Ukraine who want to grow commercially successful businesses while creating positive social or environmental impact. The programme combines expert-led training, practical business development, mentoring, and networking opportunities. Participants will work directly on their own businesses while developing stronger strategies in areas such as finance, product development, sales, marketing, operations, impact, communications, and artificial intelligence. Participants who successfully complete the programme will also have an opportunity to apply for grant funding for further business development. However, grant funding is awarded through a separate competitive selection process and is not guaranteed for every participant.

About the Impact Projects Accelerator 2.0

The Impact Projects Accelerator 2.0 is designed to support entrepreneurs who are committed to developing their businesses while addressing social or environmental challenges in their communities.

The programme combines:

- Practical business training. - Hands-on work on participants’ own projects. - Expert guidance. - Intensive mentoring. - Networking and partnership opportunities. - A final Pitch Day. - An opportunity to apply for business development grants. The programme places a strong emphasis on putting newly acquired knowledge into practice rather than focusing solely on classroom-based learning. Who Is the Program For? The accelerator is intended for entrepreneurs from the Khmelnytskyi Region who already have an operating business or a well-developed business project. Applicants should have one of the following: - An operating business. - A well-developed business project. - A product. - A service. - A prototype. The business should demonstrate both commercial viability and a clear social or environmental impact. Participants must also be prepared to attend all required in-person modules and actively participate in the mentoring process. What Types of Businesses Are Prioritized? While the programme supports impact-oriented entrepreneurs more broadly, priority is given to businesses working in several areas.

These include:

- Agriculture and food production. - Green entrepreneurship. - Environmental solutions. - Local production. The programme particularly seeks entrepreneurs whose businesses can contribute to solving community challenges while creating sustainable commercial opportunities. Social and Environmental Impact A central requirement of the programme is that participating businesses should generate positive social or environmental outcomes.

Impact may involve:

- Creating jobs. - Supporting vulnerable groups. - Strengthening local production. - Addressing environmental challenges. - Providing environmentally beneficial products or services. - Contributing to stronger local communities. Applicants should be able to demonstrate how their business creates value beyond financial performance. Five Two-Day In-Person Training Modules

Participants will take part in five two-day in-person modules in Khmelnytskyi

The training covers important areas of business development, including: - Business strategy. - Financial planning. - Product development. - Sales and marketing. - Operational processes. - Social and environmental impact. - Communications. - Artificial intelligence in business. The modules are designed to provide practical tools that entrepreneurs can immediately apply to their own businesses. Practical Learning and Business Development The accelerator emphasizes learning by doing. Rather than simply receiving theoretical information, participants are expected to apply new tools and knowledge directly to their businesses and projects. Throughout the programme, entrepreneurs can work with: - Trainers. - Business experts. - Mentors. - Other participating entrepreneurs. This practical approach can help participants identify weaknesses, improve business models, develop strategies, and make informed decisions about future growth. Business Strategy and Financial Planning The programme helps participants strengthen the foundations of their businesses through training in business strategy and financial planning. Entrepreneurs can use these sessions to examine their business models, understand financial needs, and develop strategies for sustainable growth. Strong financial and strategic planning is particularly important for businesses preparing to seek additional investment or grant funding. Product Development, Sales and Marketing Participants will also explore how to improve their products or services and strengthen their approach to reaching customers.

Training areas include:

- Product development. - Sales. - Marketing. - Customer-focused business development. These skills can help entrepreneurs improve their market positioning and strengthen the commercial viability of their projects. Operations, Communications and AI The accelerator also covers operational processes, communications, and the use of AI in business. These areas can help entrepreneurs improve how their businesses operate, communicate with customers and partners, and use emerging technologies to support business activities. The inclusion of AI reflects the programme’s focus on practical and modern approaches to business development. Mentoring Phase After completing the training modules, participants enter a dedicated mentoring phase. During this stage, entrepreneurs can continue refining their: - Business models. - Business strategies. - Growth plans. - Project ideas. - Impact approaches. Mentoring provides an opportunity to receive more individualized guidance as participants prepare for the programme’s final presentation and potential funding opportunities. Pitch Day The programme culminates in a Pitch Day, where participants present their projects to a wider group of stakeholders.

The audience may include:

- Exp