Two grant programs for businesses have been launched in frontline regions: who is eligible for funding of up to $30,000

Two grant programs for business development have been launched in eight frontline regions of Ukraine. Find out who is eligible for funding, what the requirements are for participants, and how to apply for a grant

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Starting October 8, entrepreneurs from Ukraine's frontline regions can apply to participate in two grant programs aimed at supporting self-employed individuals, microbusinesses, and small and medium-sized enterprises.

The launch of the programs was announced by the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine. The initiative is being implemented by the international humanitarian organization Mercy Corps as part of the BLOOM (Building Livelihood Opportunities and Optimized Markets) Program with the support of the UK government through UK Aid.

These programs are intended not only to provide financial support to entrepreneurs, but also to restore economic activity in the regions that have suffered the most from the war.

Program participants: who is eligible for a grant

Financial assistance is available to businesses operating or relocated to the following regions: Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia.

Both local residents and internally displaced persons (IDPs) who are officially registered and conduct business activities in these regions are eligible to participate.

Grants for the self-employed and microbusinesses

This program is aimed at self-employed individuals, households, and microentrepreneurs who have been affected by the war. Grant amount: from $1,000 to $5,000 in hryvnia equivalent.

Targeted use of funds:

● purchase of equipment, tools, or materials to start your own business;

● restoration of damaged businesses;

● development of new areas of activity.

The program is implemented by Mercy Corps in partnership with Caritas Ukraine, the Center for Employment of Free People, Alliance Global, and Desyatym Kvitnya.

Applications can be submitted online — the organizers have noted that the process is as simple as possible, and decisions are made within a few weeks.

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Financial support for small and medium-sized businesses

For larger enterprises, there is a second program — grants for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs).

● Who can apply: legal entities and sole proprietors with proven experience and operating in the specified regions.

● Grant amount: from $17,000 to $30,000 in hryvnia equivalent.

● Purpose of funds: purchase of production fixed assets, modernization of equipment, expansion of capacity, or restoration of destroyed infrastructure.

The program is implemented in partnership with West Ukraine Digital, which provides digital coordination of applications and monitoring of project implementation. You can also apply online.

Participant selection criteria

Applications are accepted from entrepreneurs operating in government-controlled territories. The main criteria that will be taken into account during the selection process are:

● the applicant's social or financial vulnerability;

● the existence of a viable business idea or development plan;

● the creation or preservation of jobs;

● a positive reputation and experience in entrepreneurial activity;

● willingness to co-finance up to 50% of the project cost (for SMEs).

Selected participants will receive not only financial assistance, but also consulting and organizational support — in particular, on issues of accounting, human resources management, business process optimization, and partner search.

Program duration

The application period began on October 8, 2025, and will last until March 31, 2026. At the same time, the organizers encourage entrepreneurs not to delay their participation, as the selection process takes place gradually, in several stages.

According to Mercy Corps representatives, these initiatives are aimed at restoring the local economy in regions affected by the war, creating new jobs, and developing local production.

If you are applying for a grant for the first time or want to increase your chances of winning, contact the team of business lawyers at Visit Ukraine. Experts will help you prepare a package of documents, develop a business plan, and advise you on the terms of participation.

You can order support in just a few minutes. Don't miss your chance to get funding for your project!

We remind you! Ukraine has launched an updated program called “Own Business,” which provides grants of up to UAH 1 million for creative businesses. Read about who is eligible for funding and what conditions are required to receive grants.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

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