Publication date:
Publication from:
The third season of the national women’s vision accelerator Vidvazhna 3: Digital Business Evolution has officially launched. The programme is designed for experienced women entrepreneurs seeking to transform their businesses – from implementing basic digital processes to achieving strategic automation and entering new markets. This year’s financial support fund amounts to UAH 6 million.
When we launched the national Diia.Business project, we aimed to build a support ecosystem so that every entrepreneur would have access to the knowledge, tools, and opportunities to grow. Today, Diia.Business offers tools to support every stage of the entrepreneurial journey, from initial ideas and export to consultations and dedicated support programmes. One such initiative is the national accelerator, “Brave”, which has seen 8,000 women join over two seasons, with 49 of these entrepreneurs securing grants totalling UAH 6.5 million to develop their businesses. The new season, “Brave 3. Digital Business Evolution,” is specifically aimed at experienced female entrepreneurs who want to automate their processes, implement modern digital solutions, and transform their business models. It’s about supporting those who already have experience but aspire to become more tech-driven and innovative.,
— Mykhailo Fedorov, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and Minister of Digital Transformation.
The new season of the programme is focused on enhancing the digital maturity of businesses and implementing innovative technologies. Eligible participants include:
By launching the national Diia.Business project, we have achieved significant success in supporting SMEs across Ukraine and even beyond its borders. The platform has already been visited by over 14.7 million users, offering free consultations on more than 60 topics and over 480 financial opportunities on its marketplace. We have opened 15 Diia.Business centers throughout Ukraine, with one operating in Warsaw to assist Ukrainians who were forced to seek refuge in Poland. One of our main focuses is the development of female entrepreneurship, as women are now playing a key role in business growth and economic stability. That is why, together with our partners, we have launched the “Brave” project. The first season was groundbreaking, being the first project of such a scale to focus on the development of female entrepreneurship. The second season demonstrated that demand is only growing. To keep up with current trends and help businesses scale, we have updated the format and training program for the upcoming “Brave 3.” Building and developing a business during wartime requires extraordinary courage. For these women, the third season will be a platform to gain relevant knowledge, exchange experiences, and find new opportunities for business growth, implement digital tools, and strengthen their resilience.
— Valeria Ionan, Adviser to the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine on Innovation, Digitalisation, and Global Partnerships
The training will be delivered in two formats:
National Lecture Series – online sessions led by leading experts in digital transformation. The programme includes interactive classes, Q&A sessions, and case studies designed to help participants immediately apply their knowledge to their businesses. Anyone interested can join the lecture series by filling out an application.
Advanced Lecture Series – an intensive track focused on digital business development and mentorship support. Participation is competitive and requires applicants to complete a digital maturity test and submit a motivational letter.
The programme also offers two types of participation:
Today, it is impossible to imagine a competitive business without the effective use of digital technologies. That is why in the third season of Vidvazhna we are launching, for the first time, an online digital maturity test for companies – a tool developed in line with European methodology. It will help entrepreneurs gain an objective assessment of their current business state and build a clear roadmap for digital transformation. Yet the programme goes far beyond diagnostics – it creates an environment where participants have access to knowledge, tools, and expert support essential for implementing modern technologies. This enables them not only to learn but also to immediately apply new solutions within their businesses, reduce risks, and accelerate growth. Vidvazhna 3 is more than an educational project – it is an ecosystem of support where knowledge meets practice, and ambitions are backed by practical tools. Most importantly, the digitalisation of women-led businesses means not only more resilient companies but also the emergence of new business models and innovative approaches that shape Ukraine’s modern economy and open pathways to international markets.
— Artem Platonov, Director of the Directorate for Digital Skills Development and Education Digitalisation at the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine.
The training programme will run for 14 weeks, combining theoretical modules, practical assignments, and mentorship sessions for bootcamp participants. This season’s curriculum is structured around four core pillars: Digital Era Mindset, Technologies of Digital Transformation, Security and Digital Infrastructure, and Managing Digital Change.
Today, digital technologies have penetrated every sphere of life and become critically important for business growth and success. This year, the Vidvazhna accelerator is therefore focused on supporting the digital transformation of women-led businesses. As a global leader in digital payments, Visa provides cutting-edge payment technologies as an effective tool for the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. According to our SME survey, 76% of companies reported increased revenues and footfall after introducing cashless payments. Small enterprises, particularly those led by women, are the driving force of Ukraine’s economy, making their support strategically significant. For five years, Visa has been implementing the global She’s Next initiative in Ukraine, giving thousands of Ukrainian women access to knowledge, resources, and an international platform for business leaders from 17 countries. This year marks the third time we are supporting the Vidvazhna accelerator. I am confident that the new season of the programme will provide Ukrainian women entrepreneurs with a powerful boost for innovative growth.
— Tetiana Chorna, Vice President, Regional Manager of Visa in Ukraine.
Following the training, 14 semi-finalists will each receive UAH 300,000 to scale and digitally transform their businesses. Additionally, three participants of the National Lecture Series will be eligible to receive UAH 100,000 each to grow their ventures, subject to completing the digital maturity test and submitting a final presentation.
The season will culminate in the Grand Pitch Day, where 10 finalists will compete for the top award of UAH 1.5 million to scale their businesses and implement cutting-edge digital solutions.
IT Ukraine Association’s participation in the Vidvazhna 3 project is an investment in shaping a generation of women entrepreneurs confidently adopting digital solutions. We are convinced that technology can accelerate business growth, unlock new markets, and strengthen Ukraine’s economy. Our goal is to help Ukrainian women entrepreneurs realise this potential,
— said Mariia Shevchuk, Executive Director of the IT Ukraine Association.
In addition, the programme will feature a psychological development track aimed at analysing and strengthening participants’ business mindset. Special offers from technology partners will also be provided: the electronic document management service Vchasno will grant exclusive access to its solutions, while SendPulse will offer complimentary use of its tools — CRM, email marketing, chatbots, and other services to support business growth throughout the programme.
Furthermore, the grand prize winner will receive an additional UAH 200,000 grant for one year of access to SendPulse tools — an extra resource to scale the business and implement advanced digital solutions.
Learn more about the project and apply for participation via the landing page of the programme Vidvazhna 3. The Digital Evolution of Business. The application deadline is 17 September 2025 (23:59).
To recap, over the past two seasons, Vidvazhna has brought together more than 8,000 Ukrainian women entrepreneurs from all regions of the country. The first season, with a grant fund of UAH 1.3 million, helped women take their first steps and grow their businesses. The second season, with UAH 5.2 million in financial support, enabled dozens of companies to scale up and undergo digital transformation. Today, Vidvazhna stands as the largest national platform for women’s entrepreneurship development, shaping a new generation of Ukraine’s digital leaders.
The new season of the visionary women’s accelerator Vidvazhna 3. The Digital Evolution of Business is delivered by the Diia.Business network of entrepreneurship support centres in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine and the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office, with the support of UNDP in Ukraine and financial assistance from the Government of Japan under the project Transformational Recovery for Human Security in Ukraine, and within the framework of the global initiative She’s Next Empowered by Visa, in partnership with the IT Ukraine Association.
