Educational and Grant Program "FemAgro 2.0. Manufactura"

The Charitable Foundation “Women’s Opportunities in Ukraine” continues the implementation of a program to support women’s microbusinesses in the agricultural sector, with a focus on the development of processing production in 2026.

“FemAgro 2.0. Manufacturing” is a new educational and grant program designed for women’s microbusinesses engaged in the cultivation and processing of plant-based products (including craft production of juices, preserves, and frozen products).

The program includes:

• selection of applications;
• lectures delivered by expert practitioners;
• business project pitching;
• grant support for modernization of micro-production, marketing development, and implementation of food safety standards;
• mentoring and expert support.

Geography: all regions of Ukraine (except temporarily occupied territories).

Women entrepreneurs may participate in the program if they meet the following criteria:

• are citizens of Ukraine and reside in Ukraine (except temporarily occupied territories);
• have an active business and are registered as a sole proprietor (FOP), farm enterprise (FG), or limited liability company (LLC/TOV);
• operate or plan to operate a processing microbusiness in one of the program’s priority categories and are craft producers of plant-based products (preserves, juices, frozen products);
• have a clear development or scaling plan and a budget for the use of grant funds;
• are ready to provide co-financing of at least 50% of the grant amount (excluding existing equipment);
• are willing to employ at least one person within 6 months after receiving the grant (mandatory condition);
• do not operate in temporarily occupied territories and have no business ties with the Russian Federation or the Republic of Belarus;
• have no outstanding tax or budget debts.

Family businesses are eligible, provided that the woman is the applicant or co-owner and holds a managerial role, and the grant strengthens her responsibility for a specific business area (processing, sales, finance, or production).

Women entrepreneurs who have received grant funding from the Women’s Opportunities in Ukraine Foundation within the past 24 months are not eligible to participate in the FemAgro 2.0. Manufacturing program.

Within the program, 10 grants will be awarded to support women-led microbusinesses in agricultural processing. The maximum grant amount is up to UAH 150,000.

A mandatory condition for participation is co-financing of at least 50% of the grant amount, demonstrating the applicant’s financial commitment and readiness to invest in the development of her business.

The program focuses on supporting projects in the following processing areas:

• preservation (sauces, jams);
• production of juices, fruit drinks, and purees;
• freezing of products using cold-chain solutions.

Eligible expenses

Grant funds may be used for costs directly related to production development and quality improvement, including:

• purchase of equipment and tools for processing, packaging, and storage, including refrigeration and freezing equipment;
• acquisition of specialized software, if needed;
• marketing, branding, packaging design, and advertising expenses — up to 30% of the grant amount;
• implementation of food safety standards, including certification, laboratory testing, and documentation — up to 30% of the grant amount.

Ineligible expenses

Grant funds cannot be used for costs not directly related to production modernization, including:

• administrative expenses and rent of premises;
• purchase of raw materials or packaging supplies;
• capital repairs or construction of rented premises (except modular production structures);
• purchase of vehicles.

The Fund acts as a tax agent and pays personal income tax and military levy in accordance with Ukrainian legislation, as specified in the grant agreement.

• Modernization of micro-production;
• Implementation of food safety practices;
• Packaging development;
• Branding, design, and targeted advertising;
• Construction of modular facilities for mini-workshops.

The program is implemented in four stages:

1. Announcement and application period: February 2 – February 28, 2026.
2. Application selection: until March 16, 2026.
3. Lecture series: March – April 2026 (5 lectures).
4. Pitching and defense of business projects (online): late April – May 2026.
5. Grant disbursement: May 2026.

*The Foundation reserves the right to make changes to the application selection timeline.

Preference will be given to applicants who:

• cultivate their own raw materials (vegetables, fruits, berries);
• have verified local supply chains and traceability of raw materials (supported by relevant documentation);
• have a clear sales plan and access to 2–3 sales channels;
• demonstrate readiness to implement food safety practices (food safety standards, batch traceability, labeling, basic testing, etc.);
• plan to establish cooperation (joint procurement, logistics, processing, or sales).

• Online questionnaire.
• Pitch Pack (after completing the lectures).

Competition results will be published on the foundation's information resources in March 2026.

Participants will also receive notifications via email.

Participation conditions and eligibility for funding

• After completing the educational module, participants must submit a full document package (Pitch Pack) to take part in the competitive selection process.
• Only participants who meet the following conditions are eligible for pitching:

1. Completion of all program requirements (attendance of lectures and completion of assignments).
2. Submission of all required documents.
3. Confirmation of co-financing and a realistic business plan for launching or scaling production.

• Winners are selected based on the evaluation of submitted materials and the pitching process, after which they receive funding in accordance with the grant agreement.

Regulatory and organizational provisions

• The Fund reserves the right to modify the competition terms, informing participants via its official website.
• Participants automatically agree to the collection and processing of personal data for organizational and informational purposes.
• Participants may also be invited to additional business development activities, including mentoring programs and training.