The UCU Business School has concluded the “School of Resilience for Veteran-Owned Businesses” training program, implemented in partnership with the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF). The two-day event marked the culmination of a 10-month training program, during which participants presented the results of their work and received expert feedback.
The teams discussed the changes they had made to their businesses, which decisions proved most important, and what insights they are taking forward. It was both a joint wrap-up and a fresh start — an opportunity to look back on the journey and reflect on their progress, as well as a final expert evaluation from instructors, advisors, and mentors.
What do the participants themselves say about the program’s value?
Participant feedback was the key element in analyzing the results:
Oleg Lekhush, a veteran and founder of the digital service “MemoriaMap”:
“At the start of the program, all we had was a Google Sheet with links to geolocations and no idea how to turn that into a large-scale, functional narrative. The mentoring sessions helped me realize the most important thing: I need to focus entirely on this project, because it perfectly aligns with my values. During the program, we automated the digitization processes, launched a public database, and redefined our mission—to preserve the memory of people.”
Olena Trofymenko, founder of the craft cheese factory “Faino Cheese,” shares:
“In the beginning, the business developed mostly intuitively, and management couldn’t keep up with its growth. The training and advisory sessions provided clear tools: I learned to manage numbers, calculate the break-even point, organize the product lineup, and delegate. The most important shift was in my mindset—I stopped being just a cheesemaker and became a full-fledged leader and strategist in my own company.”
Solomiya Danyliak, founder of the “Soyka” designer clothing brand:
“Before the training, I ran the business more as a creative hobby, and management took a back seat. The program and advisory boards helped strengthen my leadership: I incorporated metrics into my management, learned to plan for profitability, and took responsibility for the company’s growth. The program demonstrates how a systematic approach and discipline steer a business in the right direction.”
Read also: A Shared Path: Professional Development for Veterans and Their Families at the UCU Business School
The module’s intellectual program: panels, case studies, and leadership
In addition to presentations on changes in their businesses, the module included a series of analytical and thought-provoking events:
– Panel discussion “The Power of Community”: Yulia Voitekhova, Andriy Rybak, and Andriy Kaspshishak discussed the role of business clusters in supporting entrepreneurs.
– Practical case study of the SVARGA brand: Founder and CEO Natalia Yarysh shared her experience on how to proceed when a business can no longer rely solely on its founder.
– Session on leadership and human resilience: Military chaplain and political scientist Andriy Zelinsky led a discussion on inner meaning and responsibility in times of adversity.
The module concluded with the presentation of certificates.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Program
Who is the “School of Resilience for Veteran-Owned Businesses” designed for?
The program is designed for male and female veterans, their family members, as well as the families of defenders and State Emergency Service employees who have been killed in action, are missing in action, or are held captive, and who aspire to develop their own businesses.
Who are the partners and organizers of the initiative?
The program was created and is implemented by the UCU Business School in partnership with the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF).
What are the main outcomes for graduates?
Graduates streamline operational and financial processes, receive mentorship from alumni of the UCU Business School’s master’s programs, establish advisory boards, and develop long-term growth strategies.
Support veteran-owned businesses and join the community!
The development of veteran-owned businesses directly contributes to Ukraine’s independence and economic stability. Choose products and services from veteran-owned companies to support Ukrainian producers. Learn about new intakes for training programs on the UCU Business School website.
