In December, the four-month entrepreneurship programme Boost, created in cooperation with Estonian Refugee Council and the Baltic Innovation Agency, came to an end. More than 30 Ukrainian entrepreneurs with different experiences received support from the programme to develop or continue their businesses.

"The Boost programme was aimed at refugees living in Tartu and Jõhvi. It was extremely gratifying to see the activity and commitment of the participants throughout the programme. Study visits, support from expert mentors and cultural events organized for the participants and their families added great value to the programme. Through the programme, we were able to support Ukrainian refugees in the development of their businesses in Estonia and thus contribute to their independent livelihood," said Grete Karelsohn, a specialist in the livelihood programme of the Estonian Refugee Council.

The programme consisted of eight training sessions that taught management and strategic thinking, marketing, digitalization and company development opportunities in Estonia.

The final event took place on December 16 in Tartu Loodusmaja. During the event, 14 teams presented their business ideas and development plans. The jury selected the three best, who received a 1,000-euro grant from ERC and the Baltic Innovation Agency to promote their business. Cafe Nosh, which is opening in Kohtla-Järve, Nutrisweets, a producer of healthy sweets operating in Tartu, and electrical work company Kvalio were chosen among the top three.

In addition, the jury awarded a special award, which includes a variety of support from expert mentors. The special award went to ME Decor Group OÜ, a company that produces wooden floors.

The Boost or "Developing Ukrainian-founded Businesses" business development programme was carried out in cooperation with Estonian Refugee Council and the Baltic Innovation Agency.

The programme is co-financed by the European Union in the amount of €103,899.87.

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