On August 27, 2026, as part of the regional platform “Dialogue Between Government and Business,” an online meeting was held to discuss financing and support opportunities for entrepreneurs. More than 80 representatives from the business community and government in the Donetsk region participated in the event.
During the meeting, participants reviewed the main terms of lending under government programs, as well as opportunities for humanitarian support of economic initiatives within the framework of the Food Security and Livelihoods Cluster in Ukraine.
Hanna Polozhenets, head of the Micro- and Small Business Department at the Donetsk Regional Branch of Oschadbank JSC, spoke about changes to the “Affordable Loans 5-7-9%” program, which took effect on July 1, 2026. She noted that the program has been in effect since 2020 and remains one of the government’s tools for making loans more affordable for micro, small, and medium-sized businesses.
Special attention was given to opportunities for obtaining humanitarian support for economic activities. Dmytro Krukovets, Co-Coordinator of the Food Security and Livelihoods Cluster, presented the cluster’s work and mechanisms for coordinating aid to the participants.
The cluster brings together humanitarian partners to coordinate aid, prevent duplication, and identify needs and gaps in support. Its work includes, in particular, support for agriculture and non-agricultural economic initiatives.
For entrepreneurs, access to support following damage to production facilities or critical infrastructure is crucial. Depending on the situation, assistance may include support for minor repairs and restoration, as well as the provision of necessary energy resources and equipment, such as generators.
Humanitarian support also includes measures for agricultural producers, particularly in the areas of crop production, livestock farming, and mixed farming.
Separately, the speaker highlighted the Cluster’s work in frontline regions. Designated contact persons are working in the regions to strengthen the coordination of aid.
The meeting provided business representatives from the Donetsk region with an opportunity to receive up-to-date information on available financial instruments and humanitarian support mechanisms, as well as to ask questions of the speakers.