Since 2022, the EasyBusiness team has been working on projects aimed at regional and community development. As part of the “Influential” project, implemented in collaboration with the Ukrainian Leadership Academy and supported by USAID HOVERLA (2023–2024), we trained active youth from 25 communities to develop impactful projects and actively participate in the growth of their communities. Participants learned to assess needs, collaborate with stakeholders, design meaningful projects, and effectively present their ideas.

As a result, 25 diverse projects were created, focusing on youth spaces, infrastructure improvement, informal education, access to information, tourism, sports, and national-patriotic initiatives. Some teams successfully secured grants totaling 200,000 UAH to implement their ideas.

During the project, certain teams managed to attract mini-grants from other donors to further realize their initiatives. Today, a year after the initiative concluded, some participants continue to work on developing the projects initiated within the framework of “Influential.”

To broaden the impact, we launched an educational series in partnership with stakeholders called “How to Create Projects in Communities.” This series was viewed by over 1,300 people, with 200 participants earning certificates (as of the end of 2024). It consists of 13 episodes and includes a step-by-step action algorithm to help active youth drive change across Ukraine. The educational series is based on real experiences and successful cases from the “Influential” project. Each episode explains a specific step for implementing changes—from theoretical knowledge to practical tips on project management. Viewers learn how to take an idea and turn it into a successful, impactful project.

During the project, 25 advocacy events were held, engaging over 300 participants, aimed at encouraging youth to take an active role in community development.

Additionally, over 160 young people from 25 communities completed training, resulting in the creation of 35 projects for the development of their communities.

In February 2024, EasyBusiness and its partners organized a presentation event for participants’ projects, the “Youth Impact Forum,” which was attended by over 10 donor organizations and 200+ participants.