Successful Launch of the Training Program «Integrating Ukrainian Women Entrepreneurs in Ukraine and the UK»

From March 25 to 28, 2025, Cambridge Judge Business School (CJBS) and Mariupol State University (MSU) successfully conducted the training program «Integrating Ukrainian Women Entrepreneurs in Ukraine and the UK: Challenges and Support in the Context of Forced Displacement». This initiative was aimed at empowering Ukrainian women entrepreneurs affected by forced displacement, helping them adapt to new environments, and grow their businesses effectively.

Program Highlights:

Day 1:

• Leadership and Adaptation in Times of Crisis Social Entrepreneurship: Volumes, Impacts, and Profits – Prof. Andrei Kirilenko, Prof. Anna Chechel
• Transformative Leadership in Forced Displacement – Prof. Anna Chechel, Dr. Svitlana Verytelnyk

Day 2:

• Resources for Local Economic Development Host Communities Resources for Local Economic Development (Parts 1 & 2) – Prof. Denys Tarasenko

Day 3:

• Social Entrepreneurship as a Tool of Sustainability Crisis-Proof Finance: Navigating Business Through Economic Uncertainty – Natalia Iakymenko, Finance Director of Leilac Ltd, EMBA student of CJBS
• Attracting Grant Funding: New Opportunities for Women's Entrepreneurship – Dr Inna Arakelova, Candidate of Economic Sciences, Associate Professor at the Department of Marketing and Tourism, Mariupol State University, and Director of the Marketing Cooperative «Kanva»

Day 4: Women Entrepreneurship Support and Development The Role of Cooperation in the Development of Women's Entrepreneurship – Dr Inna Arakelova UK Business Setup & Taxes: What You Need to Know – Andriy Byelka, MBA, LLM

Program Impact:

The training provided a platform for exchange between entrepreneurs, academics, and business experts, allowing participants to gain valuable insights and build international connections. The discussions highlighted the importance of supporting displaced entrepreneurs in overcoming challenges related to business adaptation, scaling, and economic integration.

Acknowledging Our Experts:

We extend our sincere appreciation to the outstanding teaching team, whose expertise and dedication contributed to the program’s success: Prof. Andrei Kirilenko – Expert in Finance and Regulation, Prof. Anna Chechel – Expert in Public Administration and Sustainable Development, Prof. Denys Tarasenko – Expert in Strategic Management and Local Development, Dr. Inna Arakelova – Expert in Marketing, Grant Funding, and Cooperation Development, Dr. Svitlana Verytelnyk – Expert in Local Governance and Budget Policy Andriy Byelka – Solicitor and Legal Advisor with expertise in International Taxation, Natalia Iakymenko – Finance Expert with a focus on business innovation during crises.

We sincerely appreciate Anastasiia Argunova for sharing her inspiring story of rebuilding a business after two forced relocations. Her example demonstrates how resilience, determination, and innovation help entrepreneurs create a sustainable business even in the most challenging circumstances.

We also extend our gratitude to Mariia Bubnova for her motivational experience in restarting production in a new city, and to all participants of the discussion for their open exchange of experiences, new ideas, and commitment to further developing women's entrepreneurship in Ukraine and abroad. Your contributions are invaluable in building a supportive ecosystem for women in business!

A special thank you to our invited experts:

Liudmyla Hrabchylieva, Acting Director of the Department of Economic Development and Trade of the Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration, for her valuable analytical insights on regional development and entrepreneurship support; and Dr Yaroslav Kryl, General Director of LLC "Hydrogen of Ukraine," for his practical recommendations on innovative opportunities and the development of energy technologies for businesses. Their contributions helped participants gain a deeper understanding of economic integration prospects and business growth in new environments.

A Model of International Academic Collaboration:

This program stands as a remarkable example of international academic collaboration between Cambridge Judge Business School and Mariupol State University, strengthening ties between academia, business, and civil society while fostering a supportive ecosystem for Ukrainian women entrepreneurs.

We are grateful to all participants, speakers, and organizers for making this initiative a success and contributing to the growth and resilience of Ukrainian women in business.