On October 1, as part of the regional platform “Dialogue Between Government and Business”—established at the direction of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy—an online meeting was held to discuss the updated terms for granting funds to start or expand a business. More than 120 representatives from the business community and government in the Donetsk region participated in the discussion.
Oksana Klinovska, Deputy Head of the Department of Analytics and Evaluation of Employment Program Effectiveness at the Financial Management Division of the Donetsk Regional Employment Center, spoke about the changes to the grant program.
The updated procedure took effect on September 1, and applications can be submitted via the “Diya” portal starting September 9. There is now a unified procedure for awarding grants with two categories: starting a business and scaling up an existing business.
Ukrainian citizens aged 18 and older can receive between 100,000 and 300,000 hryvnias to start a business, and up to 500,000 hryvnias when additional bonuses are included. Creating jobs is not required for this category.
For scaling up an existing business, grants ranging from 500,000 to 1.5 million hryvnias are available, and with additional bonuses, up to 2.5 million hryvnias. A mandatory requirement is the creation of at least one job.
Additional subsidies are provided, in particular, for male and female veterans, young entrepreneurs aged 18–25, internally displaced persons, as well as businesses in priority economic sectors and frontline regions.
During the meeting, officials also explained how grant funds can be used. Specifically, up to 100% of the amount may be used to purchase equipment, up to 25% for renting premises or land, up to 50% for renovation work, and up to 10% for marketing and advertising. Funds may also be used to create jobs, develop websites and online stores, purchase licensed software, and cover other expenses specified by the program.
For advice on the program’s terms and conditions and on preparing a business plan, please contact the specialists at the Donetsk Regional Employment Center and its branches.
The regional platform “Dialogue Between Government and Business” provides entrepreneurs with the opportunity to receive clarification on current support programs and to discuss business-related issues with government representatives.