The UCORD project is launching cooperation with the Entrepreneurship Development Fund (EDF). The parties have signed a Memorandum of Partnership, opening up new opportunities to support creative businesses in Ukraine.
The partnership is built around the joint implementation of development programmes, including the grant component of the Greenhouse of Ideas programme, aimed at supporting aspiring entrepreneurs in the creative industries sector. The programme is being implemented in six pilot regions of the UCORD project: Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, Ternopil, Sumy, Volyn, and Odesa oblasts.
Recently, the expert evaluation stage of the Greenhouse of Ideas programme was completed. As a result, 48 business ideas were shortlisted and recommended to proceed to the next stage — applicant due diligence. The total budget of the programme amounts to UAH 18.4 million.
The next step will be to verify the shortlisted applicants’ compliance with financial, legal, and professional integrity requirements. Upon successful completion of this stage, the selected applicants will be recommended for funding and the signing of grant agreements. In the coming days, the UCORD project, together with its implementing partner — the Entrepreneurship Development Fund — will contact the shortlisted applicants to coordinate the next steps.
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The Entrepreneurship Development Fund is a state financial institution whose mission is to support the financing of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Ukraine on accessible terms. The Fund provides entrepreneurs with access to financial resources, advisory services, and programme support, contributing to private sector growth, job creation, and the enhancement of Ukraine’s economic competitiveness.
Within the programme, the Entrepreneurship Development Fund acts as the financial operator, ensuring the disbursement of grant funds to winners through authorised banks. This approach guarantees transparency and accountability in the use of funds, as well as full compliance with international financial management standards.
The participation of the Entrepreneurship Development Fund in the Greenhouse of Ideas programme enables the implementation of best practices in supporting microbusinesses and creates an effective bridge between donors and creative entrepreneurs, laying the groundwork for sustainable development of the creative economy in the regions and long-term economic and social impact.
The Swiss-Ukrainian project Ukraine’s Cohesion and Regional Development of Ukraine is implemented with the support of Switzerland by NIRAS Sweden AB.
The project aims to promote coordinated efforts in recovery and balanced regional development by citizens, businesses, and government authorities, which in turn improves people’s quality of life, strengthens societal resilience, and fosters peace and social cohesion in Ukraine.
One of the key focus areas of the UCORD project is Culture, Social Cohesion, and Citizen Engagement, with a priority on developing and supporting the cultural and creative economy ecosystem. The Greenhouse of Ideas programme is specifically aimed at achieving this goal.