Build your business and break into the US market
About
Challenger U.S. is a training and mentorship program for Ukrainian startups and businesses. It’s built for those just getting started who plan to enter the U.S. market down the road, and for established companies that want a clear strategy for working with American customers. Three ways to get involved:
Applications open
by Jan 31, 2027
Challenger U.S. Business Camp
Coming next
start in 2027
Challenger U.S. Accelerator
Applications open
by Feb 28, 2027
SelectUSA
Challenger U.S. is implemented by EasyBusiness and Civitta with support from the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine.
Challenger U.S. Business Camp
February–June 2027
Online learning | Hybrid events
Why Challenger U.S. Business Camp?
Challenger U.S. Business Camp helps you get a solid grasp of the fundamentals of entrepreneurship – from your business model to sales – and understand how to prepare for the U.S. market down the road. Expect hands-on workshops, sessions with Ukrainian and U.S.-based experts, and networking, wrapped up with a Demo Day where you pitch your project and get feedback.
/01
How do you turn an idea into a business?
/01
How do you turn an idea into a business?
/02
How do you find your customers and get them to buy?
/02
How do you find your customers and get them to buy?
/03
How do you talk about your product so people actually listen?
/03
How do you talk about your product so people actually listen?
/04
Join Challenger U.S. Business Camp.
/04
Join Challenger U.S. Business Camp.
Who it’s for
01.
Students & aspiring entrepreneurs
You have a business idea and want to explore its potential in the US market.
01.
Students & aspiring entrepreneurs
You have a business idea and want to explore its potential in the US market.
02.
Startups at different stages
You’re building your business and want to understand what it takes to prepare for the US market.
02.
Startups at different stages
You’re building your business and want to understand what it takes to prepare for the US market.
03.
Businesses exploring the US
You’re considering the U.S. market and want to understand how it works first.
03.
Businesses exploring the US
You’re considering the U.S. market and want to understand how it works first.
What’s inside
3 public talks and networking events
Meet Ukrainian and U.S.-based experts and companies.
3 public talks and networking events
Meet Ukrainian and U.S.-based experts and companies.
6 hands-on workshops
Join online sessions with practical assignments and learning materials.
6 hands-on workshops
Join online sessions with practical assignments and learning materials.
U.S. Government resources
Learn how to use the tools available to Ukrainian businesses.
U.S. Government resources
Learn how to use the tools available to Ukrainian businesses.
Demo Day
Pitch your project in Kyiv, get expert feedback, and meet potential partners.
Demo Day
Pitch your project in Kyiv, get expert feedback, and meet potential partners.
Timeline
Timeline
Step 01
November 2026 – January 2027
Application process: sign up by the end of January
Step 01
November 2026 – January 2027
Application process: sign up by the end of January
Step 01
November 2026 – January 2027
Application process: sign up by the end of January
Step 02
February 2027
Kickoff: the program launches with an opening event in Kyiv, in person and online
Step 02
February 2027
Kickoff: the program launches with an opening event in Kyiv, in person and online
Step 02
February 2027
Kickoff: the program launches with an opening event in Kyiv, in person and online
Step 03
March – May 2027
Workshops and networking
Step 03
March – May 2027
Workshops and networking
Step 03
March – May 2027
Workshops and networking
Step 04
June 2027
Demo Day: pitch your project in Kyiv, get expert feedback, and meet potential partners
Step 04
June 2027
Demo Day: pitch your project in Kyiv, get expert feedback, and meet potential partners
Step 04
June 2027
Demo Day: pitch your project in Kyiv, get expert feedback, and meet potential partners
Upcoming events
How to Use AI to Grow Your Business?
AI works the same in Vinnytsia and San Francisco. Building a business with it doesn’t. Join “How to Use AI to Grow Your Business,” a meetup in Vinnytsia on November 26.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for Challenger U.S. Business Camp if I only have a business idea, with no company or product yet?
Yes. The program is designed for entrepreneurs at every starting point, including those just getting started. You’ll learn the business fundamentals and find out whether your idea has potential in the U.S. market.
Can students join?
Yes. Business Camp is open to students who have a business idea or are already working on their own project and want to understand how to take it to the U.S. market.
Can I join as a team?
Yes. You can join on your own or with your startup or business team. If you’re joining as a team, only the CEO registers and lists all team members who will take part in the program.
How are participants selected?
To join, register by the end of January 2027. Once registration closes, the organizers will select the cohort and notify participants.
Is there a fee to participate?
No. Business Camp is free to join.
Can I participate if I don’t live in Kyiv?
Yes. All workshops are online. Public talks and Demo Day take place in person and are streamed online.
What language is the program in? Do I need to speak English?
The program is delivered in Ukrainian and English. Some workshops and sessions are led by U.S.-based experts, so English will help you get the most out of the program.
How much time will the program take?
The program runs from February to June 2027. Each month includes two workshops and one networking event.
What will I get out of the program?
A clear understanding of how business works in the U.S., practical skills in marketing, sales, and communicating with American partners, and connections with Ukrainian and U.S.-based experts. At Demo Day, you’ll pitch your project and get feedback from experts.
Are there any prizes or investment opportunities?
No. Business Camp focuses on the knowledge, skills, and connections you’ll need for your next steps, including conversations with investors.
How can I apply to Challenger U.S. Accelerator?
Applications for Accelerator open in the second half of 2027. Follow our website and social media so you don’t miss the launch.
Can I apply for SelectUSA, and how?
Yes. SelectUSA has its own application form, separate from Business Camp registration. You can apply whether or not you’re part of Business Camp or Acceleration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for Challenger U.S. Business Camp if I only have a business idea, with no company or product yet?
Yes. The program is designed for entrepreneurs at every starting point, including those just getting started. You’ll learn the business fundamentals and find out whether your idea has potential in the U.S. market.
Can students join?
Yes. Business Camp is open to students who have a business idea or are already working on their own project and want to understand how to take it to the U.S. market.
Can I join as a team?
Yes. You can join on your own or with your startup or business team. If you’re joining as a team, only the CEO registers and lists all team members who will take part in the program.
How are participants selected?
To join, register by the end of January 2027. Once registration closes, the organizers will select the cohort and notify participants.
Is there a fee to participate?
No. Business Camp is free to join.
Can I participate if I don’t live in Kyiv?
Yes. All workshops are online. Public talks and Demo Day take place in person and are streamed online.
What language is the program in? Do I need to speak English?
The program is delivered in Ukrainian and English. Some workshops and sessions are led by U.S.-based experts, so English will help you get the most out of the program.
How much time will the program take?
The program runs from February to June 2027. Each month includes two workshops and one networking event.
What will I get out of the program?
A clear understanding of how business works in the U.S., practical skills in marketing, sales, and communicating with American partners, and connections with Ukrainian and U.S.-based experts. At Demo Day, you’ll pitch your project and get feedback from experts.
Are there any prizes or investment opportunities?
No. Business Camp focuses on the knowledge, skills, and connections you’ll need for your next steps, including conversations with investors.
How can I apply to Challenger U.S. Accelerator?
Applications for Accelerator open in the second half of 2027. Follow our website and social media so you don’t miss the launch.
Can I apply for SelectUSA, and how?
Yes. SelectUSA has its own application form, separate from Business Camp registration. You can apply whether or not you’re part of Business Camp or Acceleration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for Challenger U.S. Business Camp if I only have a business idea, with no company or product yet?
Yes. The program is designed for entrepreneurs at every starting point, including those just getting started. You’ll learn the business fundamentals and find out whether your idea has potential in the U.S. market.
Can students join?
Yes. Business Camp is open to students who have a business idea or are already working on their own project and want to understand how to take it to the U.S. market.
Can I join as a team?
Yes. You can join on your own or with your startup or business team. If you’re joining as a team, only the CEO registers and lists all team members who will take part in the program.
How are participants selected?
To join, register by the end of January 2027. Once registration closes, the organizers will select the cohort and notify participants.
Is there a fee to participate?
No. Business Camp is free to join.
Can I participate if I don’t live in Kyiv?
Yes. All workshops are online. Public talks and Demo Day take place in person and are streamed online.
What language is the program in? Do I need to speak English?
The program is delivered in Ukrainian and English. Some workshops and sessions are led by U.S.-based experts, so English will help you get the most out of the program.
How much time will the program take?
The program runs from February to June 2027. Each month includes two workshops and one networking event.
What will I get out of the program?
A clear understanding of how business works in the U.S., practical skills in marketing, sales, and communicating with American partners, and connections with Ukrainian and U.S.-based experts. At Demo Day, you’ll pitch your project and get feedback from experts.
Are there any prizes or investment opportunities?
No. Business Camp focuses on the knowledge, skills, and connections you’ll need for your next steps, including conversations with investors.
How can I apply to Challenger U.S. Accelerator?
Applications for Accelerator open in the second half of 2027. Follow our website and social media so you don’t miss the launch.
Can I apply for SelectUSA, and how?
Yes. SelectUSA has its own application form, separate from Business Camp registration. You can apply whether or not you’re part of Business Camp or Acceleration.
Questions about the program?
Get in touch.
challenger-us@civitta.com
Organizers
Main partners
