Mastercard: Access to capital - and childcare: How this program for Ukrainian women entrepreneurs helped them thrive in Poland - Seite 2

Providing free childcare for kids at the center quickly proved a game changer. With their children safely meeting new friends or learning Polish, the women could focus on channeling legal, business and e-commerce advice into new ventures ranging from law practices to nail salons.

"It's about making them comfortable and safe in their new environment - giving them not only a place where they can work on their new business ideas but also the peace of mind to know that their kids are well cared for when they do it," says Payal Dalal, senior vice president of social impact for international markets at the Center for Inclusive Growth.

The entrepreneurs also struggled to find ways to finance their nascent startups. With bank loans out of reach for most of the women, giving them vouchers worth $4,000 was key to getting their businesses off the ground. But beyond setting them on the path to personal success, this support has helped many of the women in turn build up the communities that have embraced them.

"Looking at these businesswomen, I do not see victims of war. I see strong, resilient, entrepreneurial women who look to the future with their heads held high."

Mastercard's Marta Życińska

For instance, hairdresser Inna Bozhko fled Kharkiv with her daughter, who has cerebral palsy and autism. Through this funding, as well as support writing a business plan, she was able to open Barbershop Inclusive, which has a special area where noise-sensitive children can get a trim.

"It's hard when you're a single mother. I wish women weren't so afraid to take their lives in their own hands," Bozhko says.

Like Bozhko, three-quarters of the women who took part in the program say their financial situation has improved since they joined the (Re)building Ukrainian Business program, which also offered psychological support to the refugees.

"These companies and individuals are employing people, paying taxes and supporting local communities," says Mastercard's Marta Życińska, the Poland country manager. "Looking at these businesswomen, I do not see victims of war. I see strong, resilient, entrepreneurial women who look to the future with their heads held high. This image is the best proof that our program has proven to be of real assistance."

While a handful of the women entrepreneurs have returned home to Ukraine despite the continuing war, the program has proved a much-needed fresh start for many who are now choosing to stay and raise their children in Poland.

"Even when you have a bad day," Khlibanovska, says, "the next day the wings open up again and you fly."

Originally published by Mastercard

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Contact Info:
Spokesperson: The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth
Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/mastercard-center-inclusive-growth
Email: [e-mail]

SOURCE: The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth

View the original press release on accesswire.com


The Mastercard Registered (A) Stock at the time of publication of the news with a fall of -0,21 % to 444,5EUR on Tradegate stock exchange (02. April 2024, 14:30 Uhr).