CraftUP Ukraine: 40 Producers Complete Training Programme for Craft Food Businesses
CraftUP Ukraine: 10 Finalists Selected for the Grant Programme
26 July 2026, 06:28 148
As part of the CraftUP Ukraine educational grant programme, ten finalists have been selected to present their business ideas to the Expert Council. Following the evaluation, the most promising projects will receive funding to scale up production, implement certification, and expand into new markets.
This was reported by AgroPortal.ua, the project organizer.
Forty craft producers from 19 regions of Ukraine have completed the CraftUP Ukraine training programme. Ten participants who demonstrated the highest level of engagement throughout the course have advanced to the next stage of the project.
During the selection process, the project team assessed each participant’s overall engagement throughout the training programme. The main evaluation criteria included attendance at educational lectures, active participation in discussions and Q&A sessions with speakers, and a strong commitment to the programme.
CraftUP Ukraine Finalists (listed alphabetically)
- Olena Abramova, Dvir Indychky — meat products, Poltava Region.
- Viktor Yesipov, Dwarf Brewery — craft beverages (beer and kvass), Kharkiv Region.
- Olha Zubyk, Longo Mai — freshly pressed juices, apple cider vinegar, and cider, Zakarpattia Region.
- Iryna Karabut, Medunytsia — honey processing and beekeeping products, Dnipropetrovsk Region.
- Anton Korolchuk, Green Clover — hydroponic basil cultivation and sauce production, Khmelnytskyi Region.
- Viktoriia Lukashova, Funny Bear — ice cream production, Vinnytsia Region.
- Ivan Marakhonko — Georgian adjika and fermented sauces, Kyiv Region.
- Viktoriia Nahorna, Nahornykh Family Mill — stone-ground flour production, Zhytomyr Region.
- Mykhailo Prokopets, Vynologist — winemaking, Odesa Region.
- Petro Skrypnyk — cold-pressed oils, macerates, and flour production, Rivne Region.
Prior to presenting their business projects, the finalists will attend a practical workshop dedicated to pitch preparation. During the session, participants will learn how to structure an effective business presentation, identify the key points to emphasize during their pitch, and receive practical guidance on public speaking and communicating with an expert audience.
4 August, 10:00 a.m.: «Pitch Preparation: How to Structure and Present Your Business Idea»Speaker: Tetiana Dukach, public speaking and communications trainer.
CraftUP Ukraine Final Pitch Event
The final presentation of business ideas will take place on 15 September 2026 at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ukraine (Kyiv), where participants will present their projects to the Expert Council.
At the same time, AgroPortal.ua will publish a series of feature stories about each finalist. The publication’s website and social media channels will showcase the development of their farms and production facilities, the journey behind creating their craft products, and their vision for future business growth.
CraftUP Ukraine Grant Fund
The total grant fund of CraftUP Ukraine amounts to UAH 1.05 million. Following the final pitching session, the funding will be distributed among all ten finalists according to the Expert Council’s evaluation.
- First place — UAH 350,000
- Second place — UAH 200,000
- Third place — UAH 150,000
- Fourth to tenth place — UAH 50,000 each
Note: Financial support will be provided through the purchase of equipment and/or services tailored to the finalists’ needs.
The above amounts are stated exclusive of taxes and duties.The CraftUP Ukraine educational grant programme is organised by AgroPortal.ua with the support of the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Ivanna Panasiuk, AgroPortal.ua
