Announcement of the VETERAN BUSINESS LAB Program
The recruitment for the VETERAN BUSINESS LAB training and grant program for veterans is announced. This program, implemented by IREX and the public organization EasyBusiness, offers 40 selected participants the chance to attend a 3-day offline bootcamp in Kyiv or Lviv. After the bootcamp, during the business pitching, 20 winners will be selected to receive up to $10,000 each for the development of their business, as well as individual mentoring support. The total fund of the program amounts to up to $200,000.
The VETERAN BUSINESS LAB program is a business accelerator for the Defenders of Ukraine. Individuals such as entrepreneurs, limited liability companies, and private enterprises that fall under micro, small, or medium entrepreneurship according to the legislation of Ukraine can participate in the program. For legal entities, 100% of corporate rights must belong to war veterans.
Intensive offline bootcamp
During the 3-day intensive offline bootcamp, participants will work on:
- business model
- finances
- marketing
- business processes
- development strategy
Applications for participation in the program are accepted until September 7, 2026, inclusive, until 23:59. Detailed terms of the program, as well as registration, can be found via a special link.
The program is implemented within the 'Rehabilitation and Reintegration Program for Veterans of Ukraine' with the support of the U.S. Department of State. This initiative aims to support veterans in developing their businesses and integrating into the economic life of the country.
The VETERAN BUSINESS LAB program is an important step in supporting veterans who are returning to civilian life and aiming to develop their own businesses.
The provision of financial assistance and access to mentoring support can significantly impact the success of their enterprises, which, in turn, will contribute to the country's economic development. Initiatives like this can become the foundation for creating new jobs and strengthening the entrepreneurial environment in Ukraine.
In addition to the VETERAN BUSINESS LAB program, there are other initiatives aimed at supporting veteran entrepreneurs. For instance, the recently launched financial support program for veteran businesses has allocated UAH 10 million, further enhancing opportunities for veterans to thrive in the business landscape. Exploring these options can provide valuable insights and resources for those looking to establish or grow their ventures.