UCORD Project Joins Efforts with Business Development Fund to Support Creative Business!

The UCORD project begins cooperation with the Business Development Fund (BDF) – the parties signed a Memorandum of Partnership, which opens up new opportunities for supporting creative businesses in Ukraine.

The basis of cooperation is the joint implementation of development programs, in particular the grant part of the Greenhouse of Ideas programme, aimed at supporting start-up entrepreneurs in the creative industries sector. This UCORD project programme is being implemented in six pilot regions: Vinnytsia, Khmelnytskii, Ternopil, Sumy, Volyn and Odesa.

Recently, the stage of expert assessment of submitted applications was completed within the Greenhouse of Ideas programme. Based on its results, 48 business ideas were shortlisted and recommended for the next stage – due diligence of applicants. The total budget of the program is UAH 18.4 million.

The next step will be to verify the selected applicants for compliance with the requirements of financial, legal and professional integrity. After successfully completing this stage, selected applicants will be recommended for funding and grant agreements will be signed. In the near future, the UCORD project, together with the implementing partner, the Business Development Fund, will contact the shortlisted applicants to agree on further steps.

The Swiss-Ukrainian project “Ukraine`s Cohesion and Regional Development”, UCORD is implemented with the support of Switzerland by NIRAS Sweden AB.