Locationstwo-day event aimed to enhance support for small and medium-sized enterprises, fostering resilience and economic growth in Ukraine
Photo: Dmytro Mishinev / UNDP in Ukraine
Kyiv, 20 March 2025 – A two-day conference called "Entrepreneurship Without Barriers: Made in Ukraine Offices as Drivers of Change" has been held in the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv. The event was organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, the State Employment Centre, and the CSR Development Centre NGO, with financial support from the Government of Japan.
The conference was a platform for discussing the opportunities for, and challenges in, developing small and medium-sized enterprises in Ukraine. Attending the event were representatives of the government, international organizations, and financial institutions, along with experts in the field of entrepreneurship, 25 directors of regional centres of the State Employment Service, and 80 employees of "Made in Ukraine" offices.
In particular, the participants focused on improving the "Made in Ukraine" office employees’ skills in providing consulting services for entrepreneurs. Also discussed were the topics of barrier-free access, inclusion, and effective government interaction with business. Overall, the conference was designed to promote the development of entrepreneurship, improve business services, and introduce new mechanisms to support entrepreneurs throughout the country.
It is planned that 100 “Made in Ukraine” offices will be operational by the end of the year, with 13 opening this year with the support of UNDP and funding from the Government of Japan. Last year, current and future entrepreneurs received more than 50,000 consultations at “Made in Ukraine” offices. In total, some 50,000 entrepreneurs were helped by the government’s "Made in Ukraine" initiative in 2024, receiving more than UAH 34 billion in aid from the state.
Addressing “Made in Ukraine” office staff at the opening of the conference, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Ukraine Yuliia Svyrydenko noted: "Our common task is for entrepreneurs to get to know what tools we have in our arsenal. These are our 14 active business programmes, and it’s very important for you to be very well versed in them, so as to be able to professionally provide advice to Ukrainian entrepreneurs. Moreover, it’s essential for us to cover the entire territory of the state with ‘Made in Ukraine’ offices. They should be platforms for entrepreneurs' interactions with the local authorities. After all, today interaction between the central and local authorities is extremely important in the economy. People doing business in the regions should know that they have support as they develop a sustainable and independent economy in Ukraine."
Yuji Tokita, Chargé d'Affaires ad interim, Embassy of Japan in Ukraine, emphasized: "The Government of Japan, together with UNDP, is supporting the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine in its efforts to improve the level of services for entrepreneurs. This initiative is aimed not only at overcoming the challenges caused by the war, but also at creating a solid foundation for long-term development and economic growth. Japan remains a reliable partner of Ukraine in these difficult times. Through cooperation, resilience and perseverance, we can lay the foundations for recovery, prosperity and a better future for Ukraine."
Christophoros Politis, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in Ukraine, said: "Ukraine's recovery and resilience will only be possible through a strategic vision, effective policies, and investment in key sectors of the economy. The development of the entrepreneurship ecosystem remains key. Our support to the ‘Made in Ukraine’ policy aims at creating favourable conditions for small and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurs to build up their capacities, secure access to capital, and most importantly engage in transformational sectors of the economy. We’re proud to partner with the Government of Japan in our support to the Government of Ukraine and the business community to create better opportunities for innovation and sustainable economic development, and to invest in the prosperity of Ukraine."
Background:
The "Entrepreneurship Without Barriers: Made in Ukraine Offices as Drivers of Change" conference was organized with the assistance of UNDP in Ukraine in cooperation with the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine, the State Employment Centre and the Centre for CSR Development NGO, and with financial support from the Government of Japan. The conference was held as part of the "Transformational Recovery for Human Security in Ukraine" project.
Media Inquiries:
Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications at UNDP Ukraine, yuliia.samus@undp.org
