Government Grant Program for Veterans
A state-backed grant initiative now allows veterans and their family members to secure up to 1 million hryvnias in funding to start or expand a business. Crucially, this money is not subject to taxation. The program is open to combat participants, individuals with war-related disabilities, their spouses, and the families of fallen defenders. This effort is part of a broader push to support those who have served the country in transitioning to civilian entrepreneurship.
How Grant Funds Can Be Used
Recipients can allocate the funds toward a range of expenses, including:
- purchasing a franchise
- marketing
- advertising
- licensed software
- rent
- leasing
- furniture
- equipment
- transportation
To qualify for the grant, applicants must commit to following a detailed business plan, paying taxes, and creating jobs. The number of required jobs depends on the grant amount:
- For grants up to 250,000 hryvnias — at least one job must be created
- For grants up to 500,000 hryvnias — two jobs are required
- For the full 1 million hryvnia grant — four jobs must be established, and the applicant must have been registered as a private entrepreneur for at least one year
Grant applications are reviewed by the State Employment Center within 10 business days after the submission deadline. In summer 2026, submission dates are scheduled for June 14 and 28, July 12 and 26, and August 9 and 23. Once approved, recipients have 20 business days to visit Oschadbank to receive the funding.
Starting September 1, the 'Vlasna Sprava' (Own Business) program was updated: micro-grant amounts increased to between 300,000 and 500,000 hryvnias, and demobilized veterans can now receive a training voucher worth up to 33,280 hryvnias. These changes aim to further assist veterans and their families in launching and growing their own ventures.
The 'Vlasna Sprava' grant program represents a significant step in supporting veterans who want to turn their business ideas into reality. Larger micro-grants and new training vouchers create extra opportunities for entrepreneurship within this community.
Implementing such initiatives can help drive economic growth while also fostering the social reintegration of veterans into society.
In addition to the government grant program for veterans, there are also opportunities for entrepreneurs in specific regions of Ukraine. Recently, microgrants of up to €2,600 have been made available for businesses in four Ukrainian areas. This initiative aims to foster local entrepreneurship and support small businesses in the region. For more details about this funding opportunity, check out the article on Swiss microgrants now accessible.