Relocating because of war is a true test of resilience. It means losses, uncertainty, and countless questions about what comes next. Yet Ukrainian entrepreneurs prove that even starting from scratch in a new city, it is possible not only to survive but to grow stronger.
This is exactly the path taken by Serhii Mirkin. Before the full-scale invasion, he ran a pharmacy business in the city of Ukrainsk, Donetsk region. Due to the war, he was forced to leave everything behind and relocate his business to Chernivtsi.
A new city means new rules. However, Serhii did not face these challenges alone. The employment service stepped in to help. Initially, he received compensation for hiring internally displaced persons, which helped stabilize his business and provide jobs to others who had also lost their homes.
Today’s realities set new conditions: businesses must be autonomous. Therefore, the next logical step was participation in the “Energy Support for Sole Proprietors” program, which Serhii learned about from employment service specialists.
Why is this critically important?
For the pharmaceutical sector, a stable power supply is not only about profit but also about people’s health. Medicines require proper storage, and customers need access to essential products at any time.
“Today, it’s important to be ready for any situation. Thanks to the program, I feel much more confident about the future and the stable operation of my pharmacy,” says Serhii.
What does the “Energy Support” program offer your business?
Continuity: Your doors stay open for customers even during blackouts.
Reputation: You become an “island of stability” people rely on in difficult times.
Financial accessibility: Real support without excessive bureaucracy.
Peace of mind: You are no longer dependent on outage schedules — you control your own operations.
The program funds can be used to purchase essential equipment such as generators, batteries, inverters, and solar panels.
Application deadline: May 31, 2026
Apply via the Diia portal: https://diia.gov.ua/services/dopomoha-fop-na-enerhostiikist
Call center of the Donetsk Regional Employment Center: 0-800-219-713