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Rising Entrepreneurs: BEST by Futuremakers celebrates winners of the 1st acceleration programme with financial grants

on April 9, 2025

In July 2024, we announced continuation of the support of entrepreneurs in Poland through a tailored acceleration programme, funded by Standard Chartered Foundation as part of Futuremakers by Standard Chartered, and delivered by Youth Business Poland (YBP) and Youth Business International (YBI). It kicked off in September 2024, inviting the first cohort of 25 female entrepreneurs who have received the opportunity to learn essential business skills, market insights and a valuable support network. The highlight of this 6-month training was the recent event hosted at the Standard Chartered Poland office – a Demo Day on 27 March – where participants pitched their ideas to a jury panel composed of:

          • Anna Urbańska – CEO, Standard Chartered Poland
          • Sylwia Traczyk -Jeznach – CFO, Standard Chartered Poland
          • Marcin Juszko – AVP, Cyber Threat Response, Standard Chartered Poland
          • Adrian Migoń – CEO, Youth Business Poland
          • Grzegorz Wolff – Deputy Director of the Employment Office in Warsaw

          The top 3 entrepreneurs with the highest total scores received financial grants that will be used for further development and expansion of their businesses. The winners are:

          1. Aleksandra Tym-Czarnocka – Aleksandra runs a carpentry workshop specialising in the production and renovation of wooden and upholstered furniture. It focuses on ecological production and a zero-waste approach.
          2. Wiktoria Wolańska – active in the field of ecological cleaning of apartments. She uses only natural cleaning products that are safe for allergy sufferers and do not cause irritation.
          3. Viktoriia Savytska – Viktoriia runs a yoga studio and organises workshops with a focus on inclusivity. The main project “Blind Yoga” is designed for people with visual impairment and as a part of the training offers yoga instructions in Braille.

              A special recognition went to Martyna Żmuda who is creating an e-commerce project with accessories for exotic plants and a series of eBooks with tips on their care.

              Standard Chartered employees actively participated in the programme delivery as mentors through the Bank’s employee volunteering programme, demonstrating Standard Chartered’s commitment to community engagement and professional development of underserved young people. 

              Anna Urbańska, CEO, Standard Chartered Poland says, “I’m truly impressed by everyone’s passion, creativity, and determination to open and grow their own businesses. The success of this first group proves that the targeted support can make a real difference. These female entrepreneurs have the vision to scale up further, positively impacting the local communities and economy. We are proud to be involved in the programme and offer support on this journey.”

              Adrian Migoń, CEO, Youth Business Poland (YBP) says, “The first women’s edition of BEST by Futuremakers showed that the success of young female entrepreneurs depends on solid foundations: business analysis, mentor support, expertise and networking. Thanks to the hybrid formula, we reached female participants from all over Poland, including smaller towns, offering them real tools for growth. The results speak for themselves – increased sales, a threefold larger customer base, a 400% increase in accepted orders or stable profits.But it’s not just business – the participants have become more confident leaders, building strong relationships and a supportive community. This is the best proof that investing in programs tailored to female entrepreneurs yields tangible results and makes a real difference in their success.”

              Anita Tiessen, CEO of Youth Business International (YBI) says, “At Youth Business International, we are proud to support inspiring young female entrepreneurs as they turn their ideas into thriving businesses. The success of the first cohort of the renewed BEST by Futuremakers programme demonstrates the power of tailored support, mentorship, and community. These entrepreneurs are not only building their own futures but also driving positive change in their communities.”

              With the first cohort successfully completed, a new group of entrepreneurs has now begun their training, receiving mentorship, networking opportunities and professional support to grow their business and drive future innovation.