Empowering Ukrainian Entrepreneurs: Building Small Businesses in Georgia

As part of the EU-funded Eastern Neighborhoods Technical Assistance Program (ENTAFI), supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the DOPOMOGA UKRAINI platform, a targeted initiative was launched to empower Ukrainian citizens residing in Georgia to establish and manage micro and small businesses. This project aimed to provide critical knowledge and resources tailored to the unique aspects of the Georgian business environment.

Key components included training on:

Georgia’s economic landscape and opportunities.
Business registration processes and obligations for micro and small enterprises.
Accessing financial resources for small businesses.
Business planning and model development.
Practical insights, such as navigating government structures and accessing shared workspaces.

The program aimed to address legal, economic, cultural, and social factors that influence entrepreneurial success in Georgia, ensuring participants were equipped to navigate their new environment effectively.

How we helped

SavvY played a central role in the project’s success by delivering tailored support to participants:

Guidebook Development: Created a detailed guidebook designed specifically for Ukrainian entrepreneurs, offering step-by-step guidance on managing micro and small enterprises in Georgia.
Training Material Preparation: Developed training materials covering key topics such as business registration, financial access, and strategic planning, ensuring they met the unique needs of Ukrainian participants.
Training Delivery: Conducted in-person training for two groups of at least 25 participants each. These sessions provided hands-on learning opportunities, covering all critical aspects of starting and managing small businesses in Georgia.

Impact and Potential

The project made a significant contribution to fostering entrepreneurship among Ukrainian citizens in Georgia, achieving measurable outcomes:

51 participants received practical training, enabling them to confidently pursue entrepreneurial activities.
Participants gained insights into the Georgian business environment, including regulatory requirements, financial options, and available resources.
The program equipped attendees with the skills and knowledge needed to create sustainable business plans and models, improving their prospects for long-term success.

By addressing the unique challenges faced by displaced communities, this initiative strengthened their economic integration and empowered them to build a better future in Georgia.