Briefly
Program description
Online publication AgroPortal.ua, with the support of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands within the Private Sector Development program, is launching a project for craft producers in Ukraine.
Goal: to provide the necessary knowledge for business operations, implementation of safety standards, brand development, expansion of sales channels, and attracting financing.
The project aims to facilitate the preservation of Ukrainian gastronomic heritage and the formation of a community of craft like-minded people. The partner of the first stage is the consulting company Pro-Consulting.
Main Information
Eligibility
Participants can be unregistered and registered food producers with up to 5 employees inclusive, who need assistance in business development.
To participate in the programme, participants are expected to meet the following requirements:
- be ready to engage in learning and mentoring support, including taking part in the project’s educational activities and, if needed, hosting a mentor at their own production site;
- be willing to present their business idea;
- be open to contributing to the development of a community of craft producers.
Financing
Financial support will be provided in the form of payment for equipment and/or services according to the needs of the finalists. Funds can be used for scaling production, implementing certification, or entering new markets.
The total support budget of EUR 20,000 will be distributed among the finalists based on the results of the project presentations/defences.
Supported Activities
The programme supports the following activities:
- conducting a study of Ukraine’s craft market to assess the key challenges and needs of small producers, barriers to legalisation, access to markets and financing, and preparing and presenting an analytical report;
- implementing an educational programme and mentoring support for participants (at least 15 producers), focused on developing craft businesses, including business registration and operations, financial management, pricing, marketing and sales, as well as introducing food safety standards and certification;
- organising a pitching session where the most active participants present their business ideas to an Expert Council, followed by financial support for scaling production, implementing certification, or entering new markets;
- supporting the establishment of the Association of Craft Producers of Ukraine and promoting the craft sector, including advisory support for active participants, forming an initiative group, developing the association’s concept, and facilitating experience exchange with existing relevant associations.
Roadmap
| Stage | Period | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | January – March 2026 | Research of Ukraine’s craft market |
| 2 | March – July 2026 | Implementation of the educational programme and mentoring support |
| 3 | August 2026 | Presentation of business ideas and financing of finalists |
| 4 | September – December 2026 | Support for establishing the Association of Craft Producers of Ukraine |
How to Apply
It is necessary to complete the project participant application form, indicating as a separate item how the funds are planned to be spent. In addition, to participate in the project, applicants must complete a survey for craft producers.
Evaluation Criteria
Evaluation will be carried out by the Expert Council based on the results of the business ideas presentation. Attention will be paid to the participants' activity during training and the project's potential for scaling.
Required Documents
Completed participant questionnaire with specified directions for the use of funds.