Impact Force

LEADING SOCIAL CHANGE IN 2024: IMPACT FORCE'S ACHIEVEMENTS & PURPOSE Starting 2025, we at Impact Force reflect on on the remarkable achievements of 2024 - a year marked by progress, resilience, and transformative change. Over past year, we empowered communities, launched impactful initiatives, and advanced Ukraine’s recovery. These achievements were only possible through the unwavering support of our partners, donors, and friends. As we step into the new year, here’s a look back at the milestones that defined 2024. 🤝 We proudly joined the Clinton Global Initiative's Commitment Makers, with our "Restart Mindset" program recognized for supporting mental health and career recovery for war-affected Ukrainians. 🏆 Our Impact Business Accelerator 2023 was honored with the Ukrainian National UEPA Award for "Responsible and Inclusive Entrepreneurship," a significant acknowledgment within the European Enterprise Promotion Awards (EEPA) framework. 🩵 Nina Levchuk 🇺🇦, our co-founder, was named one of Ukraine’s Top 100 Women Leaders by Ukrainska Pravda. Nina also received the prestigious RED KALYNA AWARD for her outstanding leadership in innovation and women's empowerment. 🤍 Our co-founder, Olga Diakova, was awarded the International Ukrainian-French Order of Queen Anna "Honor of the Homeland", recognizing her exceptional contributions to Ukraine's resilience and prosperity on both national and international stages. SPOTLIGHT ON IMPACT FORCE PROGRAMS Impact Business Accelerator 2024 👩💻👨💻  • 400+ applications, 40 companies from 15 regions participated in a 4-month program.  • Delivered 280+ expert consultations, helping businesses integrate social impact strategies.  • Awarded €37,000 in grants to three businesses driving resilience and recovery. 💭💙 Dream & Achieve 2024: 80 displaced women selected from 2,565 applications for the program’s second season. 🌱💡Innovators of Energy Efficiency in Ukraine: Brought together 30 producers to create energy efficiency solutions; Mapped a network of 94 renewable energy companies. 🫂💫 Restart Mindset: Helped 125 war-affected individuals rebuild resilience through mental health and career development. 🙌🗣️ Impact Force Forum 2024: Hosted 500 participants, 30 experts, and 5 panel discussions on resilience, growth, and women’s empowerment; Signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Institute for Economics & Peace. 🌍 In 2024, Impact Force proudly represented Ukraine at global events: World Economic Forum (Davos); Women Leaders Summit (Warsaw); Ukrainian Recovery Conference; Fourth Summit of First Ladies and Gentlemen and Women’s Entrepreneurship Day (European Parliament); Reykjavík Global Forum and Tallinn Digital Summit. 💪 Together, we are shaping a stronger, more resilient Ukraine. Thank you for being part of our journey. Here's to continued impact in 2025 and beyond! 🇺🇦 #SocialImpact #Ukraine #MentalHealth #WomenEmpowerment #Innovation #EnergyEfficiency #Advocacy #Sustainability #Leadership

🌱 Impact isn’t just a trend – it’s the future of Ukraine. How are Ukrainian businesses transforming in wartime to drive meaningful change for society and the environment? What models are helping them scale and attract investment during times of crisis? 🚀 Join us for the panel discussion “Unleashing the Potential of Impact Entrepreneurship in Ukraine”, where leading voices from the impact ecosystem will share their experiences, insights, and vision for building a resilient, future-focused economy. 👥 Speakers: 🔹 Alena Kalibaba – CEO Ukrainian Social Venture Fund, Co-founder of NGO SILab Ukraine 🔹 Alesia Stokovska – CEO Impact Force, a changemaker organisation advancing social impact and economic opportunity 🔹 Roman Zinchenko – Co-founder Greencubator, Ukraine’s cleantech startup accelerator 🔹 Liudmyla Kryzhanovska – Director at 🇺🇦 Promprylad Foundation, a regional innovation development hub 🗣 Moderated by Viktoria Mianovska , Head of Partnerships at The Possible Alliance 📅 Date: 3 April 2025 🕙 Time: 11:00–13:00 (Kyiv time) 💻 Location: Online | Zoom (registration required) 📌 Don’t miss this vital conversation shaping Ukraine’s recovery through impact entrepreneurship. Register via the link - https://lnkd.in/gBFSr6eZ #ImpactUkraine #SocialInnovation #ImpactEntrepreneurship #SustainableFuture #UkrainianBusiness #RebuildingUkraine #Cleantech #EcosystemBuilders #FutureOfEconomy #ImpactForce

🫂🇺🇦 Unity as a Strategy — In Ukraine and Beyond Now more than ever, unity matters — at every level. Within Ukraine and across borders. And true unity begins with trust, shared values, and a joint commitment to building the future together. That was the spirit behind the Women Leaders Coalition for the Future of Ukraine forum — a powerful initiative co-hosted by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security (GIWPS) and the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). The aim? To bring together Ukrainian women leaders from all sectors to shape a peaceful and resilient future for our country. Impact Force co-founders Olga Diakova and Nina Levchuk joined two separate delegations at the forum, each contributing their voices and expertise to this vital dialogue. 🖇️ Olga Diakova took part in a strategic gathering of civil society leaders, where discussions centred on: 📌 how women can help shape Ukraine’s negotiation strategies and post-war recovery priorities; 📌 how to embed gender-sensitive perspectives in national security and reconstruction policy; 📌and how to ensure transitional justice mechanisms are fair for all those affected by the war — especially women and children. 🖇️ Nina Levchuk 🇺🇦 participated in a parallel delegation alongside Ukrainian political leaders, experts, and international partners, where the focus was on: 📌 how women can be actively included in decision-making around peace and security; 📌 the role of female leadership in the private sector in driving Ukraine’s economic recovery; 📌 and the core principles that must underpin future negotiations to secure sovereignty, justice, and long-term peace. At Impact Force, we believe that taking part in such gatherings isn’t just about representing our country or our work — it’s about forging strategic partnerships. It’s about real impact. And it’s about shaping a future where Ukrainian women are not just present at the table, but are leading the conversations that matter. A heartfelt thank you to the organisers, our international allies, and all the phenomenal women we stood alongside. Together, we are shaping Ukraine’s tomorrow. 🌍💙💛 #ImpactForce #WomenLeaders #PeaceForUkraine #RebuildUkraine #UkrainianWomenLead

How Ukrainian impact startups are reshaping the business landscape 🇺🇦 Is success in business just about turning a profit? Not quite. Impact-driven businesses go a step further — using entrepreneurship to tackle some of society’s and the environment’s most pressing challenges. 🔹 Creating jobs for vulnerable communities 🔹 Supporting local infrastructure 🔹 Reducing environmental harm 🔹 Embracing circular economy solutions 🌍 That’s exactly why we launched the Impact Business Accelerator — a programme that, for the second year running, supports Ukrainian startups in embedding impact into their business strategies, building sustainable models, and scaling their positive influence. Here are three inspiring alumni making waves: 👕 PatchEra – designing interactive clothing to help children with speech and communication challenges. ➡️ Through the accelerator, they developed a robust impact strategy with clear financial and social KPIs — and are now primed for growth. 🔍 Oh My Grant – guiding mission-led projects through the complex world of funding and grants. ➡️ During the programme: 12 hands-on sessions, 1:1 mentoring with experts, fresh insights — and even new clients from within the accelerator community. 📱 Bank of Memories – preserving people’s digital legacies for future generations. ➡️ Their journey led to a powerful shift: from a personal mission to a fully-fledged impact business with strategy, financial plans, and a clear sense of purpose. These are just a few examples of how impact can drive meaningful innovation — and we're proud to walk this path alongside them. 🔗 Dive into the full story about this powerful impact-businesses here https://lnkd.in/dV7SZREn #impactbusiness #socialenterprise #startupstories #Ukraine #ImpactForce #ImpactAccelerator #sustainablegrowth #innovationforgood #SocialImpact *** The Impact Business Accelerator is initiated and implemented by the Impact Force in partnership with SILab Ukraine with the support of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office, the national project Diia.Business, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, and the social innovation platform NEWDOOR

Impact Business Accelerator 2024: How Business is Driving Social Change 📌 Social entrepreneurship in Ukraine is on the rise! Last year, 92 businesses applied for the Impact Business Accelerator—this year, that number has soared to 440. These are entrepreneurs who are not just running businesses but actively shaping society for the better. Over four months, participants undertook intensive training, received 280 consultations from top industry experts, and redefined their business strategies to embed social impact at their core. At the final Demo Day, the 40 most promising businesses competed for a €37,000 grant fund. 🎉 Meet the winners making a real impact: 💛 Sunny Coffee – more than just a coffee shop, this is a dream realised by Lyudmyla Naumets, a mother of a child with Down syndrome. The café offers supported employment and social adaptation programmes for people with disabilities. "The Impact Business programme gave our inclusive café a tremendous boost. Thanks to the knowledge, skills, and funding we received, we can invest in new equipment, open additional locations, and create even more opportunities for people with special needs." – Lyudmyla Naumets 💙 Mentor – a sports studio offering not just physical training but vital social support for veterans, helping them reintegrate into civilian life. "Taking part in the accelerator gave us access to leading experts, helped us refine our financial plans, and allowed us to craft an effective impact strategy—increasing our social impact by 2.6 times." – Marina Karpishchenko 💚 AG&K – an innovative company pioneering geothermal cooling systems for industrial sites. Their technology helps businesses cut costs by millions of hryvnias while significantly reducing CO₂ emissions. At a time when Ukraine faces an energy crisis due to the war, solutions like these are invaluable. "The programme helped us unlock our full potential and integrate social impact into our development strategy. It also allowed us to streamline management decisions and adopt the best industry practices." – Igor Bondarenko, CEO of AG&K 👉 Impact Business Accelerator is more than just a programme. A new generation of entrepreneurs is proving that business can be both profitable and a force for meaningful change. 📢Looking to scale your impact or partner with the programme? Stay tuned for upcoming announcements! Dive into the full story by the link: https://lnkd.in/dFGTYefP #SocialEntrepreneurship #ImpactForce #BusinessGrowth #SocialImpact *** The Impact Business Accelerator is initiated and implemented by the Impact Force in partnership with SILab Ukraine with the support of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office, the national project Diia.Business, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, and the social innovation platform NEWDOOR

Strong Partnerships and a Community of Changemakers 🤝 At Impact Force, we’ve seen firsthand that true strength comes from unity. That’s why we’re excited to join The Possible , an alliance of organizations that invests, supports, and believes in the power of impact-driven entrepreneurs to help renew and rebuild Ukraine. The Possible is on a mission to foster impact-driven businesses in cities and towns across Ukraine, helping communities become more dynamic, inclusive, and full of opportunities. This aligns seamlessly with Impact Force’s mission — creating economic opportunities and driving social change for a sustainable and equitable future. Together with The Possible and our partners, we’re committed to building a thriving ecosystem for innovative financing and social investments. By supporting entrepreneurs, sharing knowledge, and launching new initiatives, we’re shaping a stronger, more resilient impact-driven environment for Ukraine. 🇺🇦

The Munich Security Conference has left behind a mix of concerns and potential opportunities. While some European leaders found the event unsettling, one thing was clear: being in the middle of the speeches, panels, and meetings, you could feel that #MSC2025 was a pivotal moment. And it's curricular to see the bigger picture and identify the key takeaways. Here are the TOP from Nina Levchuk 🇺🇦: 1️⃣ Ukraine is still in the spotlight. Despite global uncertainties, Ukraine remains a top priority on the international agenda. The conference reinforced that support for Ukraine must translate into concrete actions that bolster its defense capabilities and resilience. At the same time, amidst all the fast-changing events and headlines, we must stay united and show that unity to the world. 2️⃣ Ukraine must prove that it is not a challenge but a tremendous opportunity. The goal is to shift from being an object of external discussion - where third parties determine the terms - to emerging as a dynamic, influential partner in international affairs. This transformation is essential to establish an environment that ensures long-term security. Ukraine has all the potential to be a game-changer for Europe. By showcasing its strengths in areas like digital innovation, impact economy, and social support programs, Ukraine can position itself as a valuable partner for building a secure and prosperous future. 3️⃣ The power of technology. Technology is reshaping how nations pursue their interests. The MSC highlighted the need for democracies to harness data, drive innovation, and adopt key technologies to stay competitive. Cybersecurity, AI, and quantum computing were among the critical topics discussed. 📌 AI stands as a driving force behind innovation across vital sectors - from healthcare and manufacturing to space exploration. To harness its full potential, Europe requires a pragmatic regulatory framework that accelerates innovation while safeguarding its benefits for humanity, rather than stalling progress. 📌 The discussions at #MSC raised several compelling issues, including the future of transatlantic cybersecurity partnerships between the EU and the US. Moreover, advancements in quantum computing present both opportunities and challenges, particularly in redefining the standards of encryption and overall data security. 4️⃣ A call for EU unity. The conference emphasized the importance of renewed EU unity in addressing security challenges and fostering innovation. Ukraine, with its experience in countering cyber threats, can play a vital role in strengthening Europe's collective security. The MSC2025 underscored that Europe is awakening to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Ukraine can be a beacon of hope and a driver of positive change, helping Europe reclaim its position on the global stage. Now, our job is clear: stay united, stay strong, and keep moving forward.

Ukrainian Week, Washington DC 🇺🇦 🇺🇲 Key insights from Impact Force co-founder Olga Diakova 👇

Ukrainian Week, Washington DC: Leadership, Partnership, and the Road to Recovery Last week, Impact Force, led by co-founder Olga Diakova and Advocacy Director Olga Danko, took part in Ukrainian Week in Washington — a series of events focused on strengthening humanitarian, economic, cultural, and political ties between Ukraine and the United States. 🇺🇦🇺🇸 The event provided a key platform for discussions on securing a just peace, advancing Ukraine’s national interests, and fostering international partnerships. One of the important event in this year agenda was the Leadership Forum, bringing together U.S. and Ukrainian leaders, experts, and civil society representatives to explore strategies for building resilience, driving economic growth, and ensuring long-term recovery. During the forum, Olga Diakova highlighted some of Impact Force’s flagship initiatives implemented in 2024: ✅ "Dream and Achieve" Online Academy — empowering temporary displaced people with digital entrepreneurship skills to unlock new career opportunities. ✅ "ReStart Mindset" — a program focused on mental health and resilience, helping Ukrainians navigate stress and psychological challenges . ✅ Impact Business Accelerator — supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in scaling their businesses while embedding social responsibility into their operations. 💬 "Ukraine’s future is not just about rebuilding — it’s about transformation. We are shaping a new generation of conscious leaders and creating a modern, inclusive country built on integrity, equality, and sustainable growth,"said Olga Diakova. 👉 Olga Danko, Director of Advocacy at Impact Force, emphasized Ukraine’s innovative response to challenges, highlighting the resilience of its people. "The past three years have tested our nation like never before, but Ukrainian leaders continue to push forward, rebuild, and create new opportunities," she noted. The forum also featured other influential Ukrainian women leaders. Hanna Mishchenko and KSPA (Kyiv School of Public Administration named after Serhiy Nyznhny) showcased Ukraine’s commitment to values-driven leadership. Ksenia Draganuk, co-founder of Zemliachki, spoke about the importance of supporting women in the military, while Marta Levchenko, founder of Misto Dobra (City of Good), shared her experience in creating safe spaces for women and children affected by the war. Ukrainian Week in Washington was a powerful reminder that a shared commitment to peace, collaboration, and recovery can shape not just the future of Ukraine — but inspire the world to build new opportunities for generations to come. 🤍🇺🇦

DAVOS 2025: Ukraine is Shaping the Global Future 🇺🇦🌍 This year at the World Economic Forum, Impact Force was proudly represented by co-founder Olga Diakova. Olga was honoured to speak at the "Building Bridges: Social Innovation for Refugee & Migrant Integration" panel, hosted by Catalyst Now at the Social Innovation House. She shared Impact Force's approach to tackling social challenges through integrated solutions. Humanitarian aid is just the starting point — long-term integration programs create lasting opportunities and dignity for displaced people. 💬 «What the world can learn from us is this: when you give people the power to stand on their own, when you restore their dignity and equip them with the tools to succeed, they will do more than survive — they will lead the way to a brighter future,» Olga highlighted. This philosophy underpins most of our initiatives. Through the Impact Business Accelerator, we equip Ukrainian businesses with the know-how to grow and adopt impact strategies — key to post-war recovery. The Dream & Achieve program trains women to launch online businesses, a lifeline for many displaced people rebuilding from scratch. Women-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have the potential to drive Ukraine’s economic renewal. In 2024, half of all new businesses in Ukraine were founded by women. Mental health and resilience remain crucial challenges. Our Restart Mindset program focuses on restoring mental well-being and advancing career development. Last year, 70 women completed the program, with 100% ready to reintegrate into the workforce. 🙌 Ukraine is no longer on the sidelines of global issues — it’s shaping the agenda. The Ukraine House Davos was recognized as the most welcoming, and the traditional Ukrainian Breakfast attracted significant attention. President Volodymyr Zelensky’s speech was one of the forum’s most anticipated highlights. Key discussions centered on strengthening Ukraine’s position in the war, achieving lasting peace, boosting support, and maximizing the impact of international aid. Ukraine is already leading by example in areas like military tech, digital transformation, and social innovation. Our initiatives in mental health support, social entrepreneurship, and women's empowerment continue to earn global recognition. DAVOS 2025 has strengthened our hope and vision for the future. 🤝 Together, we keep building a stronger Ukraine! 🇺🇦 #WEF2025 #Davos2025 #SocialInnovation #SIH2025 #ImpactForce #Ukraine #Resilience