A local initiative for global change

The EcoHub "Useful Waste" from the Dnipropetrovsk region is a story of how a small team is capable of achieving big changes in its community. Their journey began with participation in the Impactpreneurship 2.0 program, which team captain Olena Samarska learned about from a Telegram channel about grants. The team, already formed from members of a local civic organization, decided to take part in order to gain new tools for solving the environmental problems of their region. Their motto, "Small steps toward big changes," reflects the philosophy behind their work. The project's goal is to improve the environment by turning waste into useful goods, to cultivate a culture of responsible waste management, and to increase the community's appeal to tourists.

The project is aimed at the residents of the Pereshchepyne and Lychkove communities, who need effective solutions to their waste problems. What makes the EcoHub unique is that it brings together culture, civic initiatives, and entrepreneurship in a single project. During its participation in Impactpreneurship 2.0, the team achieved important results. The team captain shares: "We received a grant, we have experience working with a mentor and meeting strict reporting requirements." In particular, consultations with mentor Kseniia Karbovska and other experts gave them a fresh perspective on opportunities for development. However, the team also faced challenges, especially lengthy tender-procurement procedures that required significant time. A solution was found by developing a risk matrix and procedures to speed up processes in the future. At the same time, the course was memorable for its amusing moments too. "Once, when I was rushing to join an online meeting, my goat grabbed my phone. To get it back, I had to run after her for a bit!" Olena recalls with a laugh.

The project's impact on the community will be noticeable: the amount of waste will decrease, the community's appeal to tourists will improve, and a new level of environmental awareness will take shape. In the future, the team plans to make Pereshchepyne a "zero-waste" town, increase recycling volumes, and turn the EcoHub into a beloved community space. "We want our EcoHub to become an example for others. It is a place where people can learn how to handle waste properly and understand that even small steps can lead to big changes," Olena emphasizes.

Participation in the Impactpreneurship 2.0 program inspired the team to believe in their own strength and in their ability to change the world. They advise others not to be afraid to take part in similar projects, to complete all the tasks, and to share their stories. The example of the EcoHub "Useful Waste" demonstrates that even the most complex environmental problems can be solved by combining community effort, innovative ideas, and an entrepreneurial approach. It is a true inspiration for other social entrepreneurs striving to change Ukraine for the better.