The "UA Global: Etsy Start" program is launching to help Ukrainian micro, small, and medium businesses expand on Etsy, the handmade goods marketplace. Through this initiative, 500 Ukrainian entrepreneurs will be competitively selected to receive training on creating and managing an online store on Etsy. Entrepreneurs will also receive mentoring to help develop their sales strategies and promote their products on the platform. Each entrepreneur will receive a $1,000 scholarship from the USAID Competitive Economy Program (CEP) and $100 in credits from Etsy to promote their goods. Additionally, Ukrposhta will provide promotional codes for logistics services totaling $10,000 that will be divided among participants, along with mentoring support for navigating logistics and customs procedures.

The "UA Global: Etsy Start" initiative is implemented by USAID’s Competitive Economy Program in collaboration with the public organization TECHBUREAU, and partnerships with Ukrposhta and the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office, with support from Etsy. The initiative is designed to support micro-entrepreneurs in enhancing their business growth and helping them become small and medium-size. This will include entrepreneurs starting from scratch on Etsy and those who have already established an Etsy shop and are looking to expand.

"Micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are ensuring the resilience of the Ukrainian economy, generating two-thirds of added value and creating 80% of jobs. One of the Government's main objectives is to facilitate business expansion into new markets. This goal is also reflected in the SME Development Strategy for 2024-2027, recently approved by the Government. The strategy aims to increase the number of exporters to over 35,000 and raise export volumes to €60 billion, with €35 billion of that directed to the EU. The strategy also emphasizes collaboration with platforms like Etsy. Therefore, the opportunity for Ukrainian businesses to become part of this platform supports these specific businesses and the country's economy. I extend my gratitude to USAID for its leadership and contributions to export development. This serves as an excellent example for other partners in fostering sustainable partnerships to promote the growth of small and medium-sized businesses, said Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine — Minister of Economy of Ukraine.

“Since launching the first project, “Etsy Payments”, in October 2023, more than 14,000 Ukrainian sellers have joined the marketplace. Before this, it was impossible for Ukrainian entrepreneurs to set up shops on Etsy. We aim to increase the presence of Ukrainian products on the platform and create opportunities for Ukrainian businesses to enter new markets. This is the second project we have launched with our partners. Previously, we supported 100 Ukrainian manufacturers through the 'Made in UA Support' project, nearly half of whom are now active on Etsy. This initiative generated over $5 million in sales and created over 100 jobs," said Olesya Zaluska, Chief of Party at USAID Competitive Economy Program in Ukraine. With 'UA Global: Etsy Start,' we continue our commitment to supporting Ukrainian entrepreneurs, whether they are new to exporting or looking to expand their international presence," Olesya Zaluska, Chief of Party, USAID CEP.

The event dedicated to "UA Global: Etsy Start" initiative presentation will be held online at 10:00 a.m. on September 20, 2024. Interested participants can learn more about the initiative by  accessing the event via this link. Entrepreneurs can also submit their questions about the application procedure to [email protected]. For those interested in participating, applications are open until October 1, 2024. Selected businesses will be announced on October 8, 2024.

“At Etsy, we are deeply committed to empowering creative entrepreneurs across the globe, and we are honored to be part of the ‘Ukraine Global Etsy Start’ initiative along with USAID. This program comes at a crucial moment for Ukraine, and we’re excited to support 500 Ukrainian sellers as they begin or scale their digital businesses,” shared James Ossman, General Manager of International and Vice President of Marketplace Initiatives, Etsy. “Ukrainian sellers have long been integral to Etsy’s vibrant marketplace, sharing their exceptional craftsmanship with the world. We believe that with the right tools, support, and access to global markets, these talented artisans can continue to drive positive economic impact and showcase the resilience of Ukraine’s entrepreneurial spirit.”