In the US, a new non-profit initiative Ukrainian Owned, founded in Florida, is rapidly spreading across different states, uniting Ukrainian entrepreneurs who, after the start of a full-scale war, are developing their own businesses and supporting communities.
This was told to Vilni Media by the founder of the initiative, CEO of Ukrainian Owned Inc. Alex Gott.
As reported, the prerequisite for the creation of the initiative was a new wave of Ukrainian entrepreneurial activity in the US after 2022. Thousands of Ukrainians who were forced to leave due to the war began to open their own businesses – from coffee shops and bakeries to service companies and professional services. The main goal is to help them develop, create jobs and strengthen local communities.
“From the very beginning, we decided that Ukrainian Owned should be a non-profit project. We did not create it as a business. All funds go to developing the initiative, supporting our members, rebuilding Ukraine, and helping those affected by the war,” the post says.
It also notes that Ukrainian Owned is introducing a certification system for Ukrainian businesses, similar to other initiatives in the United States. This allows consumers to easily identify and support companies founded by Ukrainians. Certified businesses can use the appropriate mark, which increases customer trust.
“We want Ukrainian-American entrepreneurs to have all the conditions for development, and communities to benefit from new services, jobs and businesses. “Every certified business strengthens trust and the economy, because people want to support those who work honestly and openly,” the post emphasizes.
According to Alex Gott, today the initiative has already gone beyond the borders of one state and is forming a network of centers across the country, as well as attracting participants from Canada.
A separate focus of the work is the creation of a national online marketplace of verified Ukrainian companies. Its goal is to make Ukrainian business more visible to American consumers and facilitate access to services and goods. In parallel, the organization is developing educational programs that cover issues of doing business in the United States, legal aspects, taxation and attracting financing.
It is also noted that Ukrainian Owned is actively working on the integration of Ukrainian entrepreneurs into the broader economic system of the United States. In particular, this involves cooperation with chambers of commerce, local administrations and government agencies for opening access to grants, credit programs, free legal aid and participation in government procurement.
“We want Ukrainian businesses to be able to fully use the opportunities provided by the US economy and government: free legal aid, grants, loans, training programs, participation in government orders,” the post says.
According to Alex Gott, the long-term goal of the initiative is not only to support entrepreneurs in the US, but also to form a global network of Ukrainian businesses that can influence Ukraine’s economic sustainability and its international integration.
Photo: provided by Ukrainian Owned
Prepared by: Inna Mikhno