"Women in Business: Economics and Entrepreneurship Trends in Ukraine" is a joint analytical study by the visual communications agency Top Lead and Rating Group (the Sociological Group "Rating"), in partnership with the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and YouControl.

Rating Group acted as General Partner and funded the survey that formed the basis of the study. In March 2026, we learned the opinions, plans, and outlook of 602 women entrepreneurs and 300 potential women entrepreneurs in Ukraine.

Below is an introduction from Tetiana Skrypchenko, Deputy Director of Rating Group and Managing Partner of Rating Online, and Maryna Treshchova (Budnik), Deputy Director and Partner at Top Lead.

Read the full report on the Rating Group website or on the platform from Top Lead.

Tetiana Skrypchenko, Deputy Director of Rating Group, Managing Partner of Rating Online

"We at Rating Group believe that every person is capable of finding a way to bring their ideas to life. That's why, together with Top Lead, we carried out this study and gathered key insights from current and future women entrepreneurs. Important cross-cutting ideas:

"Business is freedom"

This idea unites both current and potential entrepreneurs. Respondents say business means financial security, but money isn't the only goal. For many, it's a chance to realize themselves and bring their own ideas to life.

"Fortune favors the bold"

The most common advice from women entrepreneurs to those who only dream of starting their own business: "believe in yourself," "don't give up," "take risks." Barriers at the start are inevitable, so the decisive factor becomes the courage to take the first step. Our data show that women entrepreneurs are less conservative in their values, more open to new things, and more oriented toward success.

Women's business still faces bias

especially in interactions with clients, though perceptions of women in business are gradually changing.

Women entrepreneurs say business makes it possible to combine the professional and the personal.

At the same time, the data also record the high price of that combination: losses to physical and mental health.

Even the most successful need support, since they are simultaneously developing themselves, their families, and the country. We hope that this joint project with Top Lead will help women see their opportunities more clearly and move forward with more confidence."

Maryna Treshchova (Budnik), Deputy Director and Partner at Top Lead

"Over the past five years, the Ukrainian economy has gone through hell that would have destroyed any other system. The shock of 2022, lost assets, broken logistics arteries. But instead of a complete stop, we saw the miracle of adaptation. And at the center of this titanic resistance were women. Those who didn't just hold the home front, but became a new pillar for the country.

Dry statistics record the fall in GDP and trade imbalances. But numbers say nothing about sleepless nights, the courage of relocation, and the boldness to start from zero.

Women's entrepreneurship today isn't about pretty trends.

It's about the survival of the country. It's about business that opens despite the circumstances, creates jobs, and gives hope to communities.

This book is a portrait of the modern Ukrainian woman entrepreneur, told in the language of data.

It's about how 32% of women, despite shelling and blackouts, are preparing to launch their own business right now.

About how 65.6% of them are desperately looking for financing, overcoming a lack of resources and management experience.

This study is our manifesto of faith in their strength.

Because supporting women in business today is the smartest investment in our shared tomorrow.

Thank you to everyone who doesn't stop. Be inspired!"