From Survival to Business Plans: Ukrainian Refugee Women in Lithuania Showcase Their Entrepreneurial Strength

Vilnius, Lithuania. On September 29, 2025, the national workshop “New Horizons: Empowering Refugees through Entrepreneurship” brought together community leaders, international organisations, and Ukrainian refugee women entrepreneurs to celebrate resilience and new beginnings. Organised by Tech-Park Kaunas in cooperation with the Refugee Council of Lithuania, the IOM Lithuania and other national and international partners, the gathering highlighted how Ukrainian women have transformed challenges of displacement into opportunities for business creation and professional growth.

Stories Beyond Survival

The event reminded participants that the lives of Ukrainian refugees in Lithuania are defined not only by the struggle of integration but also by creativity, courage, and ambition. Over the past two and a half years, many refugee women have joined the Lithuanian labour market and, through the BSI_4Women incubation program, taken bold steps into entrepreneurship.

The atmosphere in Vilnius was one of open reflection and recognition. Representatives of the Ukrainian community, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), IOM Lithuania, Ukreate Hub, Open Nations, VMU Ukrainian Centre, and other organisations emphasised that this shared story is not only about overcoming hardship but also about building sustainable futures through partnership.

“Thank you for your courage to create businesses in Lithuania. This is not an easy path. Today we are witnesses to inspiring success stories that will serve as role models for others,” noted Renata Kuleš, UNHCR’s Liaison Officer in Lithuania, opening the event.

Building Community Through Entrepreneurship

Tech-Park Kaunas, one of Lithuania’s most active innovation hubs, has played a central role in supporting these journeys. Its Head of Quality, Živilė Paužaitė, reminded the audience that the incubation program launched in 2023 was not only a set of workshops but also a community of trust and friendship:

“When we started, we knew that helping women become independent meant first listening to their needs. Alone, we could not have achieved this—it took friends, partners, and a supportive community. Today, we see women not only adapting but also planning international expansion. That is a turning point.”

Journeys of Resilience

Several women shared their personal business stories. Among them, Olena Bondaruk, founder of the ViLena jewellery brand, captivated the audience. Forced to flee Kherson three years ago, she left behind her business but is now rebuilding it in Lithuania with a vision of elegance, sustainability, and digital innovation. In May 2025, she won third place among 20 finalists from seven countries at the Transnational Demo Day of the BSI_4Women project in Poland.

Other showcased initiatives included a multicultural children’s center (Aviliukas), artisanal gifts (Delicious Gifts), and wellness services—proof of the diversity and determination driving this new entrepreneurial wave.

Empowerment and Future Pathways

Speakers emphasized that strengthening economic independence is crucial as international support for refugees gradually decreases. Dr. Erika Vaiginienė, Director of VMU’s Ukrainian Centre, highlighted the importance of preparing for long-term sustainability:

“It is vital to grow stronger now and be ready for the future. Refugee women should not only integrate locally but also be prepared to support their diasporas here in Lithuania or abroad.”

Introducing Project Results

During the event, participants were also presented with the main results of the Interreg BSR program BSI_4Women project, which, since 2023, has provided entrepreneurial training, mentoring, and networking opportunities to refugee women in Lithuania and across the Baltic Sea Region. Key tools and outcomes include:

• The GUIDES for women refugees on setting up and running a business in partner countries, Digital platform for business support incubation program - startuphive.eu, Diagnosis of local needs with a joint transnational approach and recommendations.

Reflecting on these results, Vaiva Kelmelytė, Director of Operations at Tech-Park Kaunas and BSI_4Women Project Manager in Lithuania, emphasised:

“This program has shown that with the right support and structure, refugee women can achieve remarkable progress in a short time. We see not only business ideas taking shape but also stronger confidence, networks, and determination to succeed.”

A Collective Step Forward

The gathering concluded with a shared message: integration through entrepreneurship is not only possible but also a path toward community empowerment. The event demonstrated how mentorship, psychological support, and a reliable infrastructure can turn past losses into future opportunities.

“Having a supportive community and partners proves that even the most difficult circumstances can become the start of something new,” as one participant summarised.

With initiatives like BSI_4Women and partnerships spanning local and international stakeholders, the Baltic Sea Region is shaping an inclusive innovation ecosystem where refugee women can thrive—not only as survivors, but as entrepreneurs and changemakers.

You will find more photos HERE.