Marina Sobko from Kharkiv began her entrepreneurial journey back in 2018. Together with her husband Vitalii, they founded the family fitness studio “Sobko Family Fitness Studio” – a space where the whole family can train.
However, the war forced the couple to leave their hometown and temporarily relocate to a village. Vitalii worked in a fish farm, while Marina took care of the garden. Due to a shell explosion nearby, their studio had to temporarily cease operations. But just a few months later, training resumed, and the family returned to Kharkiv.
After learning about the “Own Business” program, Marina decided to take advantage of the opportunity to develop the studio. She created a business plan aimed at expanding services and attracting various age groups – children, adults, and elderly people, as health and an active lifestyle are becoming increasingly important to society. After submitting the application, Marina received a positive decision and a microgrant of 250,000 UAH. The grant funds were directed towards purchasing equipment, renting premises, and marketing. Additionally, she created two new job positions. Currently, there are 10 trainers working at the studio!
In addition to developing her own business, “Sobko Family Fitness Studio” supports the military during these difficult times.
On February 27, a beauty contest called “Queen of Resilience” took place in Kharkiv, in which our grant recipient also participated. This contest is not only about external beauty but also about strength of spirit, activity, entrepreneurship, and volunteerism. Marina received the nomination “Queen of the International Academy for Human Rights Protection.”
“My story is the story of a modern Cinderella, about how a little girl from a provincial town came to the metropolis to make her dream come true,” shares Marina. She encourages others not to be afraid of change but to act and persistently pursue their goals.
We wish “Sobko Family Fitness Studio” further growth, inspiration, and grateful clients!
Information about the fitness studio here:
https://www.instagram.com/sobko.fitness.kh…
If you plan to apply for a microgrant/grant but need assistance, contact any branch of the Kharkiv Regional Employment Center or its structural division http://surl.li/lntrn
You can submit an application with a business plan through Diia http://surl.li/cjrkj
More details about the “Own Business” program http://surl.li/uohjs
The “Hotline” of the Kharkiv Regional Employment Service operates Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM at: 0800 600 498, 096 055 48 69.
With support Kharkiv Regional Employment Service