Oleksii Zelenskyi has been in business for only a year, but his approach is systematic and strategic. Starting with the sale of construction materials, he quickly realized that the market requires narrow specialization and a high-quality product range. That is why in the autumn of 2025 he set a new goal — to open a separate power tools store.
In search of development opportunities, he turned to the employment service. During a consultation, Oleksii learned about the state program “Own Business”, which provides grant support for starting or expanding a business on the condition that new jobs are created.
After winning the grant, Oleksii used the funds to purchase retail furniture, product display equipment, an LED display board, a promotional “waving hand” sign, and to cover rent for the premises. As a result, the new specialized store opened on schedule.
A key requirement of the program — job creation — was fulfilled. Today, two people who evacuated from dangerous areas are employed at the store. Moreover, cooperation with the employment service continues. The entrepreneur is preparing documents to receive state compensation for hiring internally displaced persons.
“For me, the employment service has become a true partner. They didn’t just tell me about the program — they believed in my idea and helped me go through the entire process. This is support that truly works,” says Oleksii Zelenskyi.
For those who have an idea and are ready to grow, the “Own Business” grant program is a real mechanism for scaling up a company, creating jobs, and strengthening the local economy.
If you are planning to start or expand your own business and need professional support, please call: https://t1p.de/rzryk
Call center of the Donetsk Regional Employment Center: 0-800-219-713.