Tech-Park Kaunas Launches Business Incubation Program for Ukrainian Women Refugees

On October 18, 2024, Tech-Park Kaunas launched a business incubation program tailored to empower Ukrainian women refugees in Lithuania through entrepreneurship. The program, organized within the framework of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region project “BSI_4Women,” aims to foster economic integration by providing these women with the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to create sustainable businesses and strengthen their independence.  

The launch of this program was met with significant enthusiasm. Tech-Park Kaunas received nearly 100 applications, of which 20 were selected for final evaluation and admitted to the program. In his opening remarks, Paulius Nezabitauskas, Director of Tech-Park Kaunas, highlighted the program’s purpose: “This initiative reflects our commitment to economic empowerment and integration. By supporting Ukrainian women in their entrepreneurial journey, we aim to foster resilience and opportunity for them and the communities around them.”  

Tailored to address the specific needs of refugee women, the program offers an intensive learning experience spread over several months. It encompasses key stages, including soft landing, incubation, and post-incubation. Understanding the participants’ unique challenges, the sessions will be held in the evenings in a blended format – both online and face-to-face – and delivered in Ukrainian to ensure inclusivity and comfort. Additionally, recognizing the family responsibilities of many participants, the program includes a mom-friendly environment with childcare support to allow full focus on learning.  

“The strength and enthusiasm shown by these women in stepping up to build businesses in a new country is inspiring,” said Živilė Paužaitė, Head of Quality at Tech-Park Kaunas and one of the program’s main organizers. “We aim to make this a smooth and empowering experience, helping each participant transform her ideas into viable, sustainable businesses.”  

The curriculum covers various critical areas, including cultural insights, legal aspects of business in Lithuania, sales and marketing strategies, financial planning, and EU funding applications. Expert-led sessions will guide participants in developing robust business plans and pitch decks, preparing them to present their ideas to a panel of investors, mentors, and industry experts during Demo Day in Kaunas. Throughout this journey, participants will receive personalized mentorship, a key component in helping them navigate complex business challenges and build confidence.  

Vaiva Kelmelytė, Director of Operations at Tech-Park Kaunas, one of the main organizers and coordinator of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region project “BSI_4Women” in Lithuania, noted, “This program is not just about business—it’s about building an ecosystem of support and resilience. With every session and mentorship meeting, we’re not only enabling business creation but also cultivating a network of motivated women entrepreneurs ready to make a meaningful impact.”  

With continued support from the Interreg Baltic Sea Region, the “BSI_4Women” project has the potential to expand and adapt, creating a scalable model for refugee integration and economic empowerment. As Tech-Park Kaunas and its partners look forward to seeing the participants’ progress, they are optimistic that this program will not only benefit the women involved but also serve as an inspiring example of resilience and innovation. 

Programme Manual Online

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