Kryvyi Rih is one of the ten largest cities in Ukraine, with a population of about 650,000 people. Before the full-scale invasion, it was among the leading cities in industrial production, alongside Kyiv, and was widely known for its metallurgical and mining industries. However, like many other Ukrainian cities, in 2025 Kryvyi Rih is facing serious challenges caused by the long-term economic impact of the war.

Because of this, employment remains a key issue for young people in Kryvyi Rih. The city still strongly depends on traditional industries, while facing the need to modernize infrastructure, attract investments, introduce new technologies, and adapt the local economy to new realities. Overall, the labor market has slowed down significantly.

That is why one of the winners and grant recipients of the “Career Start” program became a team from Kryvyi Rih. The team of sole entrepreneur Yevheniia Prudchynska created jobs for three young people aged 18–21. Today, Ira, Alina, and Anastasiia work as cashiers at SV Caffe, gaining their very first professional experience.

“Youth is the key resource for rebuilding the country. If we don’t invest in opportunities for young people now, after the victory we will face an even bigger outflow of talent. That’s why today the Ukrainian Youth Foundation focuses not only on education and local youth leaders, but especially on developing local entrepreneurship. We believe this is one of the most effective ways to help young people adapt to the realities of war and post-war recovery”, – says Mykola Kobysia, Director of the Ukrainian Youth Foundation.

SV Caffe opened in the fall of 2023, during the full-scale war in Ukraine – clearly not the easiest time to start a business. Still, the brave and determined team works every week to improve and develop internal processes such as logistics, customer service, marketing, and staff management. The café can host at least 25 guests at a time.

“Our coffee gives guests energy and a good mood, and for three young people – and their families – it has recently opened new opportunities. It’s inspiring to see how motivated and quick to learn the new team members are. They are actively developing key skills, learning the details of hospitality work, and improving in customer service and coffee preparation. As they say, ‘people come for people.’ And we really see this magic – our guests truly enjoy interacting with the young employees”, – says Yevheniia Prudchynska.

The grant of 165,120 UAH covered the period from December 2024 to March 2025 and included salaries for participants, taxes, and mentoring support. Since launching in December last year, this type of local business support has already reached six regions of Ukraine: Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Zakarpattia, Kyiv, and Lviv regions. The “Career Start” program aims to expand professional opportunities for young people through entrepreneurship and employment and is implemented by the Ukrainian Youth Foundation in partnership with UNICEF and the Bohdan Hawrylyshyn Family Foundation.

“I really like everything here. I’ve already improved my coffee-making skills and can easily prepare more than 50 cups of coffee a day. I truly hope I’ll be able to keep working here”, – shares Ira, an 18-year-old barista.

“Thank you for the chance to take my first step in my career! Here I not only fell in love with making cocoa and matcha (yes, you heard that right🙂), but also gained confidence, responsibility, and a sense of structure in my work. Now it even feels like I actually understand something about how food service businesses work”, – says 20-year-old Anastasiia, who prepares drinks and handles customer payments.

“I would love to keep working here after the grant ends, because I like everything about this place – the atmosphere, the responsibilities, and the communication with people”, – says Alina, a 20-year-old cashier.

In 2024, around 30% of young people in Ukraine said they were ready to emigrate. At the same time, data from the Centre for Economic Strategy as of February 2025 shows a clear decline in refugees’ intention to return to Ukraine even if peace comes – the share dropped to just 25%, the lowest level since the full-scale invasion. Nearly 7 million Ukrainians have become refugees due to the war, and it is estimated that about half of them are young people. Before the full-scale invasion, the UN projected Ukraine’s population to be 35 million by 2025. However, according to a recent forecast by the Ministry of Social Policy, by 2050 the population may drop to just 25 million – 20 million fewer than in 1991, when Ukraine gained independence. The situation is worrying. That is exactly why the Ukrainian Youth Foundation team exists – to create and support as many opportunities for young people in Ukraine as possible, here and now.

“It’s very symbolic. For many of us, coffee is a way to relax, meditate, or even think about future decisions. But for these girls, coffee became a career start – their first job and a space for growth. We invite everyone to visit us at 9 Yesenina Street! We work daily from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. We offer freshly roasted coffee, various types of tea, delicious desserts, and savory snacks – along with a cozy atmosphere and real comfort”, – concludes Yevheniia, the owner of SV Caffe.