Business

State support for business in 2025: who gets up to UAH 500 thousand and what for

On Friday, April 4, 2025, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine (CMU) made a decision in favor of small business development in a high-risk environment. In particular, the government has increased the maximum grant amount under the “Own Business” program to UAH 500 thousand for entrepreneurs who are already operating or planning to start a business in the frontline and border regions, Komersant ukrainskyi reports citing the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine.

This decision is aimed at stimulating economic activity in difficult conditions and creating new jobs.

Who is eligible for the updated program

From now on, the expanded conditions will apply to entrepreneurs in the following regions:

• Kharkiv region (previously included in the pilot project)
• Donetsk region;
• Dnipropetrovs’k region;
• Zaporizhzhia
• Mykolaiv region;
• Kherson region;
• Chernihiv;
• Sumy.

Entrepreneurs already operating or planning to start business in these regions will be able to receive increased support. This will help offset the risks associated with security challenges and support local economies.

How much money can I get under the “Own Business” program?

Business owners can count on the following grants

• up to UAH 150 thousand (1 job must be created);
• up to UAH 250 thousand (2 jobs must be created);
• up to UAH 75 thousand (for individuals, with the subsequent need to create a sole proprietorship);
• up to UAH 150 thousand for young people (for individuals <25 years old, with the subsequent need to create a sole proprietorship).

Results of implementation in Kharkiv region: effectiveness confirmed

According to Yulia Svyrydenko, First Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, the introduction of increased grants in Kharkiv region has had a positive effect. In the second half of 2024, the number of grants provided and jobs created in the region doubled. Entrepreneurs received 402 grants worth UAH 173 million, which created 706 new jobs. This demonstrates the high efficiency of business support in times of instability.

Read also: How to get 25% compensation for Ukrainian agricultural equipment: conditions for 2025

What you can spend the money on

Microgrant funds may be used for the following purposes

• purchase or leasing of equipment
• purchase of raw materials and supplies;
• rent of premises for business;
• other expenses in accordance with the business plan.

The grant is non-refundable, provided that the entrepreneur fulfills the obligations to create jobs (1-2 depending on the amount of the grant).

Who can apply

The program is open to

• current individual entrepreneurs (IEs);
• persons without entrepreneurial experience but with a ready-made business plan;
• young Ukrainians under the age of 25 – they are eligible for a grant of up to UAH 150 thousand without the mandatory requirement to create jobs (but with registration as an individual entrepreneur).

The application is submitted through the Diia portal and must include a business plan.

Algorithm for receiving a grant

A roadmap has been created for entrepreneurs who want to receive a grant under the “Own Business” program. In order to receive money, you need to go through the following steps:

1. Submit an application and the necessary documents through the Diia web portal of administrative services.
2. After that, the bank will check the client’s business reputation.
3. The next step is an interview at a regional employment center.
4. After the person has passed the interview, the employment center decides whether to provide a grant.
5. After a positive answer, the person must open accounts as an individual entrepreneur in one of the Ukrainian banks.
6. After a short period of time, the person can receive funds to the bank account and start a business project.

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Other changes to the program

In addition to expanding the geography of support, the government has also

• updated the list of winemaking products covered by the program;
• clarified the categories of recipients for veterans and their families;
• detailed the possibilities of using the funds.

These measures are aimed at making the use of state support more flexible and focused on the real needs of entrepreneurs in regions with special conditions.