Ivan Baranov

A creative entrepreneur from Kryvyi Rih with over 12 years of experience. Ivan has directed music videos for renowned artists, worked on short films as a cinematographer, and created a feature film about the war in Ukraine. Currently, he is a creative content creator at Iron Glass, a company that developed lenses for the Hollywood film Dune.

As an entrepreneur, Ivan provides a wide range of services, including renting professional equipment for filming and running a product photography studio in Kryvyi Rih, where he also trains people to create photo and video content. Ivan's services are in high demand due to their adherence to international quality standards, attracting investments from neighboring cities. He plans to use the grant to purchase new equipment, ensuring the seamless execution of his projects.

Oksana Pavlushenko

A creative entrepreneur from Kryvyi Rih and the founder of AnimeLab, a hub that offers anime-themed merchandise and serves as a recreational center for children, teens, and young adults.

AnimeLab fosters socialization and builds a sense of community through shared interests, while also strengthening intergenerational connections. With the grant, Oksana plans to expand her business by establishing a summer terrace inspired by a Japanese mini-garden. This unique space will enhance AnimeLab's seasonal offerings and attract more visitors.

Volodymyr Kazakov

Named Ukraine’s Best Guide in 2021 by the Ukraine Tourism Awards, Volodymyr plans to create a Cultural Tourism Hub to reframe travel as an element of cultural enrichment. He envisions travel not only as a means of physical movement but also as a way of life, a value system, and a transformative experience.

To bring this project to life, Volodymyr will use the grant to acquire equipment and develop a platform for lectures, seminars, and training sessions on tourism, catering to diverse audiences.

Yuliia Pielt

A creative entrepreneur and photographer from Kryvyi Rih. Yuliia intends to establish a specialized photography studio focused on maternity shoots. Equipped with all the essentials for newborn photography and comfortable spaces for mothers and babies, the studio will also host workshops with consultants in sleep training, breastfeeding, and more.

Yuliia’s vision goes beyond photography. She aims to create a nurturing hub for young mothers to attend lectures, meet specialists, and find a supportive community.