Grant for women in the HoReCa sector (ISKRA program)

“ISKRA. Ignite Your Own Business” is an entrepreneurial program for women in the HoReCa sector aimed at supporting women from small towns and villages in Ukraine who dream of opening their own venue such as a café, bakery or family restaurant.

The program guides participants from idea to a ready business plan and includes free training.

The initiative is implemented by Glovo in partnership with Projector Foundation and the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine with informational support from the State Employment Service.

Who can participate

• The programme is open to women aged 18 and over who live in Ukraine.
• Participants should plan to open and develop their own venue in Ukraine.

Applicants currently living abroad

• The programme primarily targets women residing in Ukraine.
• However, applicants may still apply if they are temporarily living abroad, provided they plan to return and open their business in Ukraine.

Experience in the HoReCa sector

• Previous experience in the HoReCa sector or working in restaurant-related positions will be an advantage.
• However, such experience is not mandatory for participation.

Having a business idea

• The programme is designed for women who already have an idea for their own venue and want to develop it further.
• It is beneficial to have:

• • a basic understanding of the required budget;

  • an interest in sustainable and responsible business practices.

Program finalists may receive financial support in the form of a €5,000 grant to develop their business.

Educational support

Participants receive free training designed to help them move from a business idea to a ready business plan.

• The course includes 10 practical modules covering the key stages of business development.
• New lectures become available every week during the programme.
• Participants also attend webinars with experts, where practical questions and case studies can be discussed.

Topics covered in the training modules

The programme addresses major aspects of launching and developing a hospitality business, including:

• development of the venue concept and menu design;
• financial planning;
• search for an ideal location;
• setting up operational processes;
• marketing and promotion.

Additional opportunities for participants

• After completing the training, the best participants will join a Food Tour to Kyiv.
• During Pitch Day, participants will present their business ideas.

Support after the programme

• Winners will receive grant funding support the development of their business.
• All participants who complete the course will receive a certificate of completion.

Main stages of the programme

Participation in the programme includes several consecutive stages:

• Submission of an application to participate in the programme.
• Completion of the training programme, consisting of 10 practical modules.
• Selection of finalists after the training stage.
• Organisation of a Food Tour to Kyiv for the selected participants.
• Pitch Day, where participants present their business ideas.
• Selection of the winners, who will receive grant support.

Training format

• Training is organised through weekly access to new lectures.
• In addition, webinars with experts are organised, allowing participants to discuss questions and practical cases.

Next steps after training

• After completing the modules, 10 students will be selected to take part in the Food Tour to Kyiv.
• During Pitch Day, participants will present their business ideas.

Selection timeline

• Applications are accepted until 23 March.
• Within two weeks after the deadline, organisers will notify 70 selected participants.
• Training is scheduled to start in April.

Applications can be submitted online via the form on the official program website.