Ukrainian entrepreneurs learn from Latvian businesses and escape war

Fifteen Ukrainian businesswomen visited Latvia to learn about local businesses and find a brief respite from the war, LSM reported. The visit was part of the “Women Transform the World” project organised by the diaspora and Latvian association esiLV.

The participants spent nine months learning business management skills remotely before taking part in practical classes in Latvia. They visited the Valmiera Innovation Quarter and gained experience from women entrepreneurs in the surrounding area.

In Rūjiena, the visitors were welcomed with food arranged in the colours of the Ukrainian flag. They also visited a mill, where they could see and touch wool carding, spinning and yarn twisting, as well as flour milling.

The group also spent time at the Rūjiena folk school and learned about sea buckthorn products, drawing inspiration from the achievements of small and medium-sized businesses created by Latvian women.

However, the sound of every passing motorcycle caused alarm, reminding the visitors of an approaching Shahed drone.

“I am from Zaporizhzhia, which is on the front line. This trip to Latvia has given me a respite from the war,” said Hanna Hontaruka, an entrepreneur from Zaporizhzhia. “I have calmed down a little here in Latvia, because in my city we are attacked almost every day. Drone attacks, missile attacks. It is terrible.”

Ieva Jākobsone-Bellomi, chairwoman of the esiLV board, said Ukrainian women had been left to carry the heaviest burden during the war.

“They have to take over the businesses of their husbands, fathers and sons, and learn new skills,” she said. “We are here with Latvian expertise and professional Latvian women to help Ukrainian businesswomen overcome this crisis, develop their businesses and continue their entrepreneurial activities in the future.”