Today, state support for small and medium-sized businesses is not limited to grant funding alone — it also includes comprehensive support for entrepreneurs at every stage of development. A vivid example of this synergy is the story of entrepreneur Petro Sokhatskyi, who has been successfully operating in the building materials trade in Sloviansk since 2018.
Over time, the business expanded, customer demand grew, and entrepreneurial ambitions increased. This became the impetus for scaling up operations — opening a new store specializing in automotive goods. Bringing this idea to life required additional resources: renting premises, purchasing retail equipment and office technology, and, of course, building a team.
The solution was participation in the “Own Business” (Vlasna Sprava) grant program. After winning the grant and receiving funding, the entrepreneur successfully opened a new store and created two new jobs.
Importantly, the support did not end there. Recruiters from the employment service helped staff the new positions by selecting candidates tailored to the employer’s needs, qualification requirements, and work schedule. This approach allowed the business to launch full-scale operations quickly, without additional HR risks.
In addition, the entrepreneur became interested in other state support opportunities — in particular, compensation programs for employing registered unemployed persons in newly created jobs. These programs help employers reduce the financial burden on payroll while simultaneously promoting employment.
The “Own Business” project continues to operate, opening new opportunities for those planning to start or scale up their own business. Employment center specialists not only provide consultations on participation in the program but also offer post-grant support: assistance with staff recruitment, information on compensation mechanisms, and access to other state support tools.
For entrepreneurs, this means more than financial assistance. It is a partnership that contributes to sustainable business development, job creation, and strengthening the economic resilience of communities.
🔎 Learn more about the “Own Business” grant program: https://www.dcz.gov.ua/people/micro
💼 Compensation programs: https://www.dcz.gov.ua/employer/choiceprofit
📞 Consultation support is available via the call center of the Donetsk Regional Employment Center: 0-800-219-713 (toll-free).