As the socio-economic impacts of the war in Ukraine continue to unfold, the need for resilient, inclusive employment pathways remains critical. Responding to this call, UNIDO with the support of the Government of Japan, is launching a new wave of entrepreneurship trainings across Western Ukraine.

The initiative is part of the broader project “Emergency assistance for job integration of disabled people through 3D printing technology in Ukraine,” aimed at strengthening labour market access for vulnerable groups, particularly persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), veterans and their family members.

Over 20 training sessions are scheduled across six regions – including Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ternopil, Volyn, Khmelnytskyi, Zakarpattia – and will reach at least 250 participants. The program combines technical and entrepreneurial skills development with individualized mentorship and support from local partners.

One such example is Viktoriia, a mother from Kherson region, who fled the war with her son and resettled in Lviv. She had previously worked in the beauty sector but had no formal business background. After joining a UNIDO-supported training in 2024, she found the confidence and structure she needed to launch her own salon – now a thriving space of empowerment and care.

“I came to the training with just an idea and a deep sense of exhaustion. I left with a business plan, an understanding of taxes, registration, pricing… But most importantly - I left with the feeling that I can do it,” says Viktoriia. “That training was the beginning of true recovery for me. It wasn’t just about learning - it was about reconnecting with me.”

Today, Viktoriia not only runs her own business but also offers training courses for women looking to enter the beauty industry, sharing her journey to inspire others to take their first steps.

The new round of training will incorporate lessons from such success stories while expanding geographical and thematic reach. In addition to core business support, the program now includes reskilling opportunities in areas such as 3D modeling, 3D printing, and design. Participants will benefit from:

• Tailored guidance in business planning

• Tools for launching or formalizing micro-enterprises

• Access to adapted employment pathways

• Practical strategies for navigating post-war economic realities