We’ve wrapped up our Accelerator of Social Entrepreneurship for entrepreneurs in Khmelnytskyi Region and here are the Pitch Day winners!

We have successfully completed our Accelerator of Social Entrepreneurship program for entrepreneurs from Khmelnytskyi region. More than 20 small- and medium-sized business owners in agrifood, manufacturing and services took part. All of them aim to scale their initiatives, make their businesses more resilient and, at the same time, deliver tangible benefits to their communities.

The Accelerator followed our holistic model that combines training, mentoring and financing in a clear sequence. First, participants completed an intensive learning track covering four modules — business strategy, financial management, marketing, legal issues and team management. Next, they received tailored mentoring to refine their business models and prepare for the final pitch. In the end, the most promising social-business ideas secured financial support to grow.

Congratulations to the Pitch Day winners

• Sunny Coffee — Lyudmyla Naumets
  An inclusive café-patisserie that pairs food service with social support for young adults with Down syndrome. The project promotes socialisation, adaptation and employment for people with intellectual disabilities over 18, making the community more inclusive and responsive to vulnerable groups.

• “Epiravlyk” — Aliona Shybunko
  A snail farm developing gastro-tourism and processing its own products. The grant will fund a mini-workshop, create new jobs and boost local economic activity through on-site processing.

• Soap Stories — Maryana Ovcharuk
  The region’s first private soap-making workshop producing natural cosmetics from plant-based raw materials. The new social component: jobs for people with disabilities. The business operates as a family enterprise with local production.

• AgroKvity — Oleksandr Dudko
  A greenhouse-sector social enterprise that grows flowers, organic strawberries and grapes while employing internally displaced people (IDPs), veterans and teenagers. Beyond cultivation, the team builds turn-key greenhouses and trains farmers.

• Basil-Sauce Production — Anton Korolchuk
  An eco-enterprise using hydroponics to grow basil and produce sauces. The model blends sustainable farming with innovation, adds product value and reduces resource consumption.

• “Liubov” Home Pastry Shop — Liubov Koriniovska
  A local producer of cakes and desserts planning to expand production and open a studio for teaching children and adults. The business supports the local economy and fosters cultural development.

These projects show how social entrepreneurship can not only address local challenges but also stimulate the economy, create new jobs and unite communities.

We believe that, thanks to the program, these entrepreneurs will scale their impact, explore new directions and strengthen their communities—and we’ll stay by their side to support, amplify and expand opportunities for those driving change.