YBI announces hackathon for displaced Ukrainian entrepreneurs in Poland

Youth Business International (YBI) is pleased to announce that we will run a hackathon for displaced Ukrainian entrepreneurs in Poland, in partnership with our member Youth Business Poland (YBP) and funded by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The hackathon will take place over three weeks in March 2024, connecting Ukrainian entrepreneurs with Polish entrepreneurs, innovators, scientists, and policy makers to find innovative solutions that will help Ukrainian-owned businesses in Poland grow and create jobs. 
Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, millions of Ukrainians have fled to Poland for a chance to live in peace and safety. However, many are left without jobs and financial stability in a new country. The entrepreneurship ecosystem in Poland is dynamic and thriving and ready to give the necessary support to Ukrainian refugees. This is why YBI and our member in Poland, YBP, will be running a hackathon for displaced Ukrainian entrepreneurs and Polish entrepreneurs, funded by EBRD.
 
The Hackathon will be open to 100 participants of whom at least 80 will be early-stage Ukrainian entrepreneurs and those with business ideas who lack networks with peers and local stakeholders, have limited exposure to modern startup development practices, and insufficient information and skills to access finance and investments. Through a mix of online and in-person sessions, participants of the hackathon will identify challenges, collaborate with local experts, governance, and businesses to develop strategies for business growth, and test ideas and concepts to accelerate their financial and professional growth. 

The hackathon will culminate in a pitch competition where winners will be awarded grants for their businesses. 

Anita Tiessen, CEO of Youth Business International, says: 

“Entrepreneurship enables social and economic integration of refugees and empowers them to become self-reliant, follow their ambitions, and give back to local communities. However, many lack the necessary networks and knowledge to navigate an unfamiliar business ecosystem in a new country. We are pleased to partner with YBP and EBRD to deliver a hackathon that will address these barriers and equip displaced Ukrainian entrepreneurs in Poland with the networks, knowledge and skills to start and scale thriving businesses.” 

Adrian Migoń, CEO of Youth Business Poland, says:

“We’re thrilled to team up with YBI and EBRD for an upcoming Hackathon. Beyond entrepreneurship, this event will bring Ukrainians together, fostering collaboration, sharing perspectives, and boosting their potential in Poland. Our goal is to empower Ukrainians, encourage innovation, and promote cross-cultural cooperation. We’re excited about the transformative impact this Hackathon will have.”

Nadia Petkova, Director, SME F&D Regional Network, EBRD, says: 

“We’re proud to partner up with Youth Business International and support the resilience of Ukrainian entrepreneurs in Poland who are struggling to access financing and build the networks required to bring their innovative ideas to market. We are confident that this hackathon will help nurture their ambitions and provide them with the know-how to accelerate their innovation and growth”