Since 1 July last year, the "Vlasna Sprava" programme has provided 7,675 grants worth UAH 1.8 billion to start and develop small businesses and created around 24,000 new jobs. By the end of the year, 4 more waves of winners will be selected for a total of UAH 340 million. This was announced by Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine Tetiana Berezhna in her speech at the Regional Economic Forum.

 "These figures show a lot of courage, will and desire to work during the war. That is why we strongly encourage local regional authorities to actively encourage local entrepreneurs, or those who want to become them, to apply for grants. The programme is ongoing, with 4 more waves of winners to be determined by the end of the year, and UAH 340 million has been allocated for this purpose. The application for participation in the competition can be submitted very easily through the Diia portal," said Tetiana Berezhna.

According to her, the largest number of grants issued is in the Lviv region.

Tetiana Berezhna also reminded that a grant programme for veterans and their spouses was launched on 10 April. To date, the first 100 winners have already been identified – 61 combatants and 39 spouses of combatants.

"I would like to remind you that local authorities can co-finance this programme. Up to 30% of the veteran entrepreneur's own contribution can be financed from local budgets. We ask local authorities to actively participate in the implementation of this programme. Today, each of us must do our utmost to help Ukrainians realise all their talents and abilities," Tetiana Berezhna addressed the audience.

As a reminder, Ukrainians can receive a microgrant from UAH 50,000 to UAH 250,000 under the "Vlasna Sprava" grant programme. The funds can be used to purchase or lease equipment, buy raw materials and supplies, and rent premises. Both existing entrepreneurs and people with no experience of such activities can receive a microgrant. A prerequisite for receiving funds is the creation of 1 to 2 jobs, depending on the amount of the grant. Ukrainians who received microgrants in 2022 created about 8,000 new jobs.

The Government's eRobota project includes grant programmes aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and job creation. These include microgrants for starting or developing your own business, grants for the creation and development of processing enterprises, and grants for planting gardens and viticulture and greenhouse farming. Applications for all areas of the eRobota programme are submitted through the Diia portal.