Financing Business and Education in Ukraine: Panel Discussion at Academic Hub Pivdenny

On 1 April 2025, Academic Hub Pivdenny hosted a panel discussion titled “Financing Business and Education in Ukraine” as part of the course “Managerial Thinking: Modern Approaches and Practices.” To share practical insights with students of the Faculty of Economics at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Pivdenny Bank invited two distinguished guests: Kristina Mikulova, Head of the Regional Hub for Eastern Europe at the European Investment Bank (EIB), and Olena Voloshyna, Head of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in Ukraine.

The discussion was moderated by Yurii Voievoda, Director of Investment Business Department at Pivdenny Bank. The guest speakers explained the role of international financial institutions in supporting both the public and private sectors of the economy, with particular focus on mechanisms for business financing.

Kristina Mikulova highlighted the EIB’s core focus on financing infrastructure projects within the public sector — such as transport, energy, social infrastructure, and municipal programmes — which account for 70% of the bank’s financing in Ukraine. She also emphasised the importance of cooperation between the EIB, the European Investment Fund, and Ukrainian banks in providing access to finance for Ukrainian micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. To date, around 1,500 businesses have benefited from such support, positively impacting more than 260,000 jobs.

Olena Voloshyna noted that the IFC supports both large corporations and small and medium-sized businesses, with financing for the latter channelled through local banks and leasing companies. In addition to access to funding, the guarantees provided by IFC to Ukrainian financial institutions are key to easing the lending process for entrepreneurs.

She added that to receive direct financing from IFC, a company must have a transparent ownership structure, audited financial statements, sound corporate governance, and must adhere to environmental and social standards. Equally important, she noted, is the motivation and commitment of the business owner.

Yurii Voievoda also pointed out another vital role of international financial institutions — their contribution to the development of Ukraine’s financial market. He cited the evolution of the documentary operations market as an example of how such initiatives benefit local businesses.

In closing, the speakers shared their views on essential skills for professional success. Olena Voloshyna stressed the importance of soft skills such as active listening, empathy, and communication. Kristina Mikulova added that it is important to be able to prioritise and focus efforts on those areas that can actually be changed, and not to waste energy on things that are beyond your control.

“The main goal of this discussion was to familiarise students with the operations of major international financial institutions, to demonstrate real mechanisms for business financing, and to explore perspectives on the development of Ukraine’s economy. We are sincerely grateful to our colleagues for accepting our invitation and enriching the course with their invaluable expertise. We hope this cooperation will continue,” noted Vitalii Hagauz, Director of the Valuation and Collateral Operations Department at Pivdenny Bank and leader of the Academic Hub Pivdenny project.

Academic Hub Pivdenny is a flagship corporate social responsibility project of Pivdenny Bank. Its mission is to support public higher economic education, offer students real business insights, and create conditions that encourage young professionals to stay and work in Ukraine.