MainНовини502 Business Ideas from the ‘Do Your Thing’ Competition to be Evaluated by Entrepreneurs, a Chef, a Business Coach, and Military
502 Business Ideas from the ‘Do Your Thing’ Competition to be Evaluated by Entrepreneurs, a Chef, a Business Coach, and Military
A total of 502 applications from 15 regions of Ukraine will compete in this year’s ‘Do Your Thing’ business idea competition, organized by the MHP-Gromadi Charitable Foundation. Specifically:
- 186 projects focus on developing veteran-led businesses
- 123 projects aim to launch new businesses
- 325 projects seek to scale existing businesses
- 30 projects propose business model shifts
- 24 projects represent relocated businesses
Among the most popular industries, organizers highlight craft production, educational services, agriculture, and local service businesses.
According to Oleksandr Pakholyuk, Director of the MHP-Gromadi Charitable Foundation, this year’s ‘Do Your Thing’ competition extends beyond financing — it aims to elevate the professional expertise of entrepreneurs. As part of the initiative, participants completed ‘The Entrepreneur’s Path’ — a mandatory training course developed in collaboration with MHP’s strategic partners and the State Employment Service. This program included short lectures on business planning, project management, marketing strategies, leadership skills, methods for securing additional resources.
“It is important that every participant recognizes the value of continuous learning and development, because in today’s world, businesses must not remain stagnant— they must move forward. Education broadens horizons and unlocks opportunities for growth.”
– Oleksandr Pakholiuk, Director of MHP-Gromadi Charity Foundation
The ‘Do Your Thing’ competition began in early 2022. Over three seasons, more than 250 entrepreneurs across 13 regions have received grant support of up to UAH 100,000. In 2025, another 80 projects will join the growing list of winners.
Who Will Evaluate the Business Ideas?
The ‘Do Your Thing’ competition committee is composed of entrepreneurs, military personnel, business coaches, and chefs, including:
Alik Mkrtchyan, a renowned chef and creative director of MHP’s culinary division, has played a key role in promoting Ukrainian gastronomy Originally from Tbilisi, Georgia, Alik later moved to Ukraine, where he pursued an education in banking. However, his true passion for cooking ultimately led him to change career paths and dedicate himself to the culinary arts. Alik gained widespread recognition after appearing on MasterChef. Professionals, where his talent and charisma won audiences over.
“I deeply admire resilience and believe in Ukrainian entrepreneurs. I want our businesses and economy to develop steadily. As an expert, I always look for a product’s vision, heart, and perspective. I will focus on whether contestants’ ideas truly serve people and have the potential for scalability. Business is the path for the brave — those who dare to change the world. And among our participants, we will select exactly those individuals.”
Artem Bielenkov is the Chief of Staff of the 412th Separate Regiment of Unmanned Systems within the Security Service of Ukraine and has been a volunteer fighter since 2022. He previously served in the 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade, ‘Magura,’ where he participated in combat operations in the Bakhmut direction before joining the Commander-in-Chief’s office. He has been a member of the 412 Nemesis unit since its inception and is the co-founder of Smart Farming and VkursiAgro:
“For many companies, crises bring limitations. However, small businesses are the most flexible sector and can adapt quickly. That’s why, in times of crisis, small businesses can discover new opportunities. At this time, it is essential to analyze the niche in which a business operates — its infrastructure, competitive advantages, and uniqueness. Accordingly, it is crucial to understand the prospects of this niche, taking into account the development of technology and the economy. It will result in empowering businesses to scale or refine their models.”
Maryna Tokareva is a business coach and mentor for the Vidvazhna accelerators from Diia.Business in Bucha and VISA. She is the founder and lecturer at Format University and the head of the FORMAT consulting project. Over the years, she has launched and supported more than 60 fitness projects and has been a presenter, lecturer, and speaker at numerous conferences.
“Starting a business is not just about doing what you love and excel at — it requires much more. Successful entrepreneurship combines a great product that meets market demand, strong sales and promotion strategies, and the ability to effectively communicate its value to customers. Today, it is no longer enough for entrepreneurs to simply offer high-quality products or services. They must adopt a helicopter view — a broad, strategic perspective of the market, along with a deep understanding of how to position and promote their business. In Ukraine, entrepreneurship now demands expertise in strategy development, team building, partnership networking, financial analytics, and marketing solutions.”
Anton Ruban, a Ukrainian entrepreneur from Zaporizhzhia, has been in business for over 15 years. He is the co-owner of the 34th Degree group of companies, which includes three successful ventures: Extreme Pride, Best Way Foods and Spell. At the beginning of the full-scale war, Anton voluntarily joined the ranks of Ukraine’s defenders, actively participating in the battles for Kyiv. Today, he continues his service as a soldier in the National Guard, serving as part of the Khartiia.
“In difficult times, the businesses that survive are those that successfully bring the right people together. My partners and I always say: first, ‘who to work with’, then ‘what to do’ — this is the foundation of any business. During a crisis, your team is your greatest asset — a source of ideas, solutions, and energy. Cohesion, trust, and shared responsibility allow businesses to adapt quickly, stay resilient, and thrive. Business is not only about the product — it is also about the people who build it and the culture in which they operate. With the right partners by your side, even the most formidable challenges can be overcome. Invest in people just as much as in technology or marketing.”
What Awaits the Winners?
The winners of the competition will be announced on November 27. To further support the most promising entrepreneurs, the organizers have prepared an additional training module designed to deepen their knowledge in critical business areas, ensuring they have the expertise to take their ventures to the next level.