Here's Where to Find Ukrainian Entrepreneurs in Need of Support

This Empowered by Shopify directory of Ukranian businesses highlights the resiliency of these entrepreneurs.

Last month, Shopify launched a new directory page that makes it easier to find Ukrainian-owned businesses.

The site is a group effort from Shopify employees, including those with deep roots in Ukraine. Supporting Ukrainian businesses is about more than just putting money in the pockets of these businesses right now—it also means helping them build a foundation for recovery in the future. 

“This project was a way for me to focus my energy on what would make the most impact to the Ukrainians affected by the war,” says Olga Haliuk, a design management lead who was born in Ukraine and now lives in Toronto. “Working at Shopify, I have a first-hand understanding of the importance of supporting small and local, and the ripple effect that it causes to their communities and networks.”

The team behind the directory says that while many of the stores they included are experiencing shipping delays and stock shortages, they were determined to remain open. 

“And they did all of this dealing with lost homes, bombed manufacturing facilities, and a constant worry about the safety of themselves and their loved ones,” says Sahar Junejo, a Shopify support specialist who grew up in Ukraine and helped work on the directory alongside senior developer Ryan WIlson-Perkin and senior content designer Jane Palash.

 “This resilience is what we hope to highlight.” 

Shopify has also elected not to collect fees from merchants in Ukraine for the foreseeable future.

Directory highlights

Lutiki

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LUTIKI (@lutiki_series)

Lutiki is a jewelry brand in Kyiv. Its Seed from Ukraine necklace is a special piece it’s decided to continue producing during the war. “By ordering this pendant you will help our team to move forward and donate for humanitarian relief efforts in local communities. We hope it will remind you about the value of freedom,” its website says.

Valery Siurha Art

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Valery Siurha (@siurhaart)

Valery Siurha Art is a collection of animal-inspired art.. Valery creates beautiful art prints of traditional hunting dogs, along with hunting hats, belts, and pins. Valery has been hunting since he was a child, and his work is inspired by the nature and animals associated with his passion.

TTSWTRS

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by TTSWTRS clothing brand (@ttswtrs)

TTSWTRS is a clothing brand that blends art and apparel. The brand has showrooms in Kyiv, Odessa, and Kharkiv, and its homepage has a large “Support Ukraine” banner, with links to donate to humanitarian aid. Its pieces have been worn by celebrities like Nicki Minaj and Kourtney Kardashian.