Pilot Action in Lithuania

The Lithuanian pilot of the BSI_4Women project, implemented by Tech-Park Kaunas within the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme, became a key milestone in supporting refugee and migrant women in transforming their business ideas into viable ventures. Its mission was to strengthen women’s entrepreneurial competences, foster social and economic integration, and enhance their role in Lithuania’s local economy through structured mentoring, expert guidance, and targeted incubation support.

Recruitment for the Lithuanian pilot began in early 2024 with a comprehensive information campaign directed at Ukrainian refugee and migrant women across Lithuania. Promotional activities were launched from the very beginning of the project and implemented through multiple communication channels. Information about the programme was published on Tech-Park Kaunas’s website, social media, newsletters, and partners’ included but not limited to Ukreate Hub, the Refugee Council of Lithuania, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), FRIDA Innovation Agency, Women Go Tech, LISVA communication channels. Announcements were actively shared via Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram, as well as through Telegram groups and mailing lists targeting Ukrainians living in Lithuania.

BSI_4Women Incubation Program – Ideas scouting: project presentation on 18 January 2024 at the Entrepreneurship Opportunities Fair in Vilnius,  © Kaunas Science and Technology Park, 2025

Two major Entrepreneurship Opportunities Fairs were held to present the BSI_4Women incubation programme and to scout business ideas. The first took place on January 18, 2024, in Vilnius and brought together 76 Ukrainian women developing or planning business ideas. The second was held on March 6, 2024, in Kaunas, attracting 70 more participants. These events introduced women to the project’s objectives and tools, creating a platform to discuss their needs and challenges in starting businesses in Lithuania. The fairs were supported by key national stakeholders, including the Innovation Agency Lithuania, Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), FRIDA, and ChangeMakers’ON. Press releases and articles in Lithuanian and Ukrainian media, as well as coverage on LRT and Verslo Idėjos portals, further expanded outreach and visibility.

BSI_4Women Incubation Program – Participants recruitment at the Entrepreneurship Fair, held in Kaunas on 3 June 2024,  © Kaunas Science and Technology Park, 2025

BSI_4Women Incubation Program – Participants recruitment at the Entrepreneurship Fair, held in Kaunas on 3 June 2024,  © Kaunas Science and Technology Park, 2025

The recruitment process was organised in two main phases. The first phase started on June 3, 2024, during the Kaunas fair, and gathered over 80 preliminary applications. Pre-selection was carried out based on motivation, compliance with programme criteria, and readiness to participate. The second phase took place between October 11 and October 30, 2024, through the BSI_4Women digital platform, which enabled transparent registration, evaluation, and communication with applicants. In total, 99 applications were received, and 22 women were selected to join the Lithuanian incubation programme. All participants were Ukrainian nationals residing in Lithuania. Three of them had prior entrepreneurial experience, while most were in the ideation stage, developing their first business projects. The submitted ideas largely represented the service sector, highlighting micro- and small-scale enterprises with tangible community value.

Following the recruitment and selection process, the focus shifted toward developing participants’ business ideas within a structured incubation programme. Each woman received an individual roadmap outlining steps to refine her concept, strengthen entrepreneurial skills, and prepare for market entry. The mentoring component was central to the incubation process. The mentor provided ongoing guidance, identified learning needs, coordinated expert involvement, and offered motivation and emotional support. Mentoring sessions were delivered both online and offline, ensuring access for women from various regions and with diverse personal circumstances.

BSI_4Women Incubation Program – Opening session: Cultural insight and inspirational stories on 18 October 2024 in Kaunas, © Kaunas Science and Technology Park, 2025

BSI_4Women Incubation Program – Opening session: Cultural insight and inspirational stories on 18 October 2024 in Kaunas,  © Kaunas Science and Technology Park, 2025

Workshops and expert consultations complemented the mentoring process and became the backbone of the incubation phase. Sessions covered business plan development, legal and financial aspects of entrepreneurship, marketing strategy, branding, and communication. They also included soft-skill development — such as leadership, public presentation, and resilience — enabling women to grow personally and professionally. The hybrid format of activities allowed flexible participation, accommodating women balancing family and work responsibilities. For many, it was the first opportunity to collaborate directly with experts and to transform abstract ideas into realistic, structured business models.

The diversity of business ideas developed during the Lithuanian pilot reflected creativity, adaptability, and the strong social orientation of participants. These 22 business concepts included:

• Online Store of Ukrainian Products in Lithuania – an e-commerce platform for Ukrainian goods;
• “Šventė su siela” – a family and corporate event agency;
• Child Center “Sunbeam” – a Ukrainian-language preschool;
• BIOELECTRONIC MEDICINE Clinic “Energy” – integrating traditional and bioelectronic therapy;
• “Neuropsychological Space” – a sensory integration and neuro-exercise studio for children;
• “Beer Market” – a retail outlet with regional beverages and snacks;
• Ukrainian Wine Bar “FAINO” – offering wine tastings and cultural events;
• ViLena Brand – jewellery made of natural stones and amber;
• Creative-Culinary Space “ETNIKA” – a cultural cooking and creativity hub;
• Professional Home Organiser – offering space optimisation services;
• Art-Inspired Clothing Line – producing original casual and sporty wear;
• Beauty Salon “OKSAMYT” – specialising in skincare and depilation;
• Migration Support LT – a service for foreigners seeking residence permits;
• Smart Green Design – an eco-landscaping company integrating smart technologies;
• Family Space LT – a centre for mothers and children;
• Personal Brand Studio – a visual branding and photography service;
• Social School Entrepreneurship – a school-based entrepreneurship education programme;
• Sweet Ukraine LT – an online shop for Ukrainian sweets;
• Soul Space – a wellness centre offering yoga and therapy;
• Sweet Home Bakery – a home bakery with online delivery;
• EcoCare LT – a sustainable cleaning service;
• Crafted Moments – a handmade gift studio.

The Regional Demo Day in Lithuania was the culmination of the incubation process. The jury evaluating entrepreneurial ideas consisted of representatives from various sectors, including entrepreneurship, the Lithuanian-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce, Kaunas Client Service Department of the Employment Service in Lithuania, SMK University of Applied Sciences Kaunas Branch, Kaunas University of Technology’s Faculty of Economics and Business, and the Innovation Agency’s coworking space “Spiečius” in Kaunas. The atmosphere was both professional and inspiring, marking the first public presentations for many participants. The jury selected outstanding projects : “NeuroSpace”, Creative-Culinary Space “ETNIKA”, commerce platform Ukrainian food and beverage “FAINO”, which were praised for their strong community focus and potential for sustainable development.

BSI_4Women Incubation Program LITHUANIA – Demo Day on 24 January 2025 in Kaunas, © Kaunas Science and Technology Park, 2025

BSI_4Women Incubation Program LITHUANIA – Demo Day on 24 January 2025 in Kaunas, © Kaunas Science and Technology Park, 2025

Between February and May 2025, these selected participants received additional mentoring and expert support, including up to ten group consultations and several one-to-one sessions with internal mentors and specialists. This targeted preparation helped them refine their business plans, strengthen presentation skills, and gain confidence ahead of the international event.

The Transnational Demo Day, held on May 21, 2025, in Jasionka, Poland, brought together representatives from Lithuania, Poland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Latvia, and Estonia. Lithuania was a represented by “Šventė su Siela”, a boutique family events agency, “OKSAMYT”, a sustainable and aesthetically driven beauty services solution, ViLena Brand – original jewellery made of natural stones, amber, and medical gold. Participants presented their projects on an international stage, receiving valuable feedback from Baltic and Nordic experts. For many, it was a defining experience that broadened their professional horizons and reinforced their belief in the relevance of their business ideas.

The post-incubation phase extended the support beyond the main programme. All seventeen active participants were invited to access follow-up activities, including the mentors’ pool, advanced consultations, and networking opportunities. Additionally, FRIDA invited participants to cultural events and performances; Ukreate Hub offered access to a social business incubation programme; and KTU invited them to take part in an intensive entrepreneurship training abroad. These additional experiences helped participants expand their networks and further develop their skills.

Throughout the Lithuanian pilot, participants faced multiple challenges such as language barriers, limited time, and balancing family duties with programme commitments. Nevertheless, their motivation, adaptability, and resilience were remarkable. The mentoring team’s flexibility and empathy allowed each woman to progress at her own pace. Many participants emphasised that beyond professional growth, the programme brought profound personal transformation — helping them rediscover confidence, self-belief, and a stronger sense of belonging within Lithuanian society.

The BSI_4Women pilot in Lithuania demonstrated that entrepreneurship serves as a powerful catalyst for both economic inclusion and social empowerment. It showed that a well-designed system combining mentoring, expert knowledge, and community engagement enables women who have faced displacement to rebuild their professional lives with dignity and determination. The experience of Tech-Park Kaunas proved that such initiatives not only stimulate local entrepreneurship but also foster long-term resilience and integration — leaving a lasting impact on participants and their communities.

Photo in the header: BSI_4Women Incubation Program LITHUANIA – Demo Day on 24 January 2025 in Kaunas, ©Kaunas Science and Technology Park, 2025.

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