Up to €10,000 for business development: a new support program has been launched for women in agriculture
18 April 07:25
Recruitment has begun in Ukraine for the Empowering Women in Agrifood GROW (EWA GROW) mentoring program, which aims to promote women’s entrepreneurship in the agrifood sector. Participants will receive individual mentoring, undergo training, and take part in offline events in Kyiv, while the best projects will win grants of up to 10,000 euros. This was reported by the press service of the Ministry of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
The initiative covers the areas of sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, digital solutions, and artificial intelligence. The program is designed to support women who have a business idea in the agri-food sector or are already developing their own business in Ukraine.
What is the EWA GROW program?
The Empowering Women in Agrifood GROW program is an initiative to support women entrepreneurs in the agrifood business sector. It focuses on the development of women-led startups and businesses related to agriculture, biotechnology, digital innovation, and artificial intelligence.
EWA GROW 2026 is the fourth cohort of the program, being implemented in 12 European countries.
In Ukraine, it is implemented by Radar Tech—a corporate accelerator that works with startups, corporations, and ecosystems to foster innovation.
Who can participate in the program
Women residing in Ukraine who are 18 years of age or older are invited to participate in the program.
Eligibility requirements include:
- having a business idea in the agri-food sector or an existing business;
- the business must have been registered in Ukraine no more than three years ago;
- no external funding or grants for this idea exceeding €60,000.
Thus, the program is primarily focused on the early stages of business development or startups.
Watch us on YouTube: important topics – without censorship
What EWA GROW participants will receive
Ten participants will be selected for the program. Over the course of six months, they will receive:
- individual support from mentors;
- online training;
- participation in offline events in Kyiv;
- knowledge in business strategy, marketing, and financial planning.
Participation in the program is free of charge. Additionally, the organizers will cover travel and accommodation expenses during in-person events.
What grants are available
Based on the results of the final selection, the best projects will receive financial support.
The following grants are available:
- first place — €10,000;
- second place — €5,000.
These funds can be used to develop your own business or implement a business idea in the agri-food sector.
Application Deadline
Applications for the program can be submitted until 11:59 PM on April 26, 2026.
Applications are accepted in Ukrainian via the EIT Food platform.
So, interested women entrepreneurs in agriculture should not delay, as the submission deadline has already been set.
Read us on Telegram: important topics – without censorship
Who is implementing the program
The EWA GROW program in Ukraine is implemented by the Radar Tech accelerator with the support of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).
This means that participants will receive not only financial support but also access to the European innovation ecosystem and modern approaches to business development.
Why this program is important
The EWA GROW program aims not only to support individual businesses but also to bring about a broader shift in the role of women in the agricultural sector.
According to European studies, women-led startups in the agricultural sector are more likely to focus on:
- social responsibility;
- sustainable business practices;
- reducing carbon emissions;
- environmental innovation.
Therefore, supporting such initiatives can be significant not only for the female entrepreneurs themselves but also for the development of the modern agricultural sector in Ukraine.
Read us on Telegram: important topics – without censorship
