Grant programs, training and retraining opportunities: Svyrydenko tells about support programs for women entrepreneurs

To support women entrepreneurs, the government has created grant programs, training and retraining opportunities, and is already implementing measures to close the gender pay gap. This was stated by the First Vice Prime Minister of Ukraine - Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko during her speech at the 7th Ukrainian Women's Congress, UNN reports.

Details 

She reminded that last summer the Government launched grant programs that can help women start or expand their own businesses. In particular, under the "Own Business" program, you can get a microgrant of up to UAH 250 thousand, and for business development in the processing industry, you can take a grant of up to UAH 8 million. 

At the same time, women veterans or wives of military personnel can receive up to UAH 1 million under the veteran grant program. 

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To date, almost 11 thousand Ukrainians have become winners of the "Own Business" program, 54% of them are women. This grant program is in great demand. Despite the ongoing war in the country, Ukrainians are ready to start and develop businesses, work and take responsibility. Therefore, next year we have provided twice as much funding for this program and plan to issue about 14 thousand grants for UAH 3.5 billion

In addition, the government is working to implement programs that promote training and retraining. It is noted that one of the most acute problems is structural unemployment. 

"That is, when the specialty of people available in the labor market does not meet the needs of employers looking for employees. One of the initiatives designed to solve this problem is vouchers for training from the State Employment Service," the ministry explained.

Supplement

A voucher for training is almost 27 thousand UAH that can be spent on self-development and obtaining a competitive specialty that is more in demand in the labor market. There are 124 professions and specialties available. To date, more than 17 thousand Ukrainians have received such vouchers. Women are the most likely to use them - 71%. The most popular specialties among women are psychology, healthcare, education, and social work. At the same time, we are seeing a trend of women choosing to study to become drivers, security guards, tractor drivers, turners, electric and gas welders, and there was even a woman who was studying to become an electric train driver

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She also reminded that the Ministry of Economy is engaging partners to support Ukrainians in training and retraining. In particular, the Projector Foundation, with the support of the Ministry of Economy, has launched a project on free education for women - within a year, 1000 Ukrainian women will be able to receive free education in the creative and IT industries.

It is noted that internally displaced women, as well as women who have left Ukraine and received temporary protection status in another country, can participate in this project.

It is worth reminding

In August 2023 it was reportedthat over the past 7 years, the gap between men's and women's salaries in Ukraine has decreased by 7.4%.