When Your People Are Near, Dreams Become Reality: A Veteran Opens His Own Café in Kitsman

A participant of the Veteran Business School implemented by the Public Resources and Initiatives Charity Foundation with the support of DVV International Ukraine, veteran Vitalii Budenchuk, has opened his own café, “CAFE!N.”

This is more than just the launch of a business — it is a story of returning to life, searching for new meaning, and gradually moving from the inner silence after war to actively shaping the future.

Vitalii’s journey began after returning from the frontline — with a desire to withdraw from everything. Over time, the idea of starting his own business emerged. Then came training at the business school, work on a business plan, mentoring support, and step by step — the realization of his vision.

Today, the café doors are open, and the space is filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the story of a dream fulfilled.

Community support became a crucial part of this journey. The project team accompanied the participant at every stage — from shaping the idea to launching the business. At the café’s opening, business school trainer and veteran projects manager Oksana Palagecha was present.

“I witnessed how this story was born — from the first doubts to the opening of a business. And it is always about more than entrepreneurship. It is about inner transformation. About the moment when a person begins to believe in their own potential again — and takes action,”

says Oksana Palagecha, mentor of the business school, who provided mentoring, practical training, and consulting support throughout the development and implementation of the business idea.

Vitalii’s story is one of many. Among the program’s graduates are entrepreneurs already developing their own ventures: farms, educational initiatives, and service-based businesses. In particular, Vitalii Vizniuk’s farm is expanding, and Liudmyla Sidletska, having received grant support, continues to confidently move toward implementing her business idea.

“For us, the most valuable thing is not the number of businesses launched. What matters most are people who find the strength to start again. We are not just building an educational program — we are creating a supportive environment where veterans can move forward together, feeling trust and a sense of support,” comments Olena Tanasiichuk, President of the Public Resources and Initiatives Charity Foundation.