Entrepreneurs are the force that drives the economy of Ukraine and will help recover as soon as possible after the victory. To support businesses in the conditions of the war, the Government has initiated the eRobota grant program, the most popular component of which is the Own Business program.

Today, on July 26, Yuliia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine – Minister of Economy of Ukraine, took part in a large-scale event titled “Own Business Grant Program: A Year of Support for Ukrainian Businesses” dedicated to the anniversary of the Own Business grant program. Thanks to this program, Ukrainian entrepreneurs have already raised more than UAH 1.3 billion for business development. The event was opened by Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal.

“Non-refundable grants to businesses are real investment by the Government that contributes to the growth of entrepreneurial activity, generates added value, changes the structure of exports, creates new jobs, guarantees social stability, and develops communities,” said Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal in his welcoming speech.

Own Business program, implemented by the Ministry of Economy jointly with the Ministry of Digital Transformation and the State Employment Service, has become the most popular component of the eRobota program. In just one year, 6,000 entrepreneurs received grants in this area, paying a total of over UAH 336 million to the budget.

“I believe that small and medium-sized entrepreneurs will become the basis for economic growth and development. Over the course of the year, the eRobota program has had an impact not only on our economy but also the lives of tens of thousands of people. Every entrepreneur who received a grant also created at least one new job. Thus, 20,000 new jobs were created under all components of the eRobota program. In total, during the year, eRobota participants received grants worth more than UAH 4 billion,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko.

Under the terms of the Own Business program an entrepreneur can receive a grant of up to UAH 250,000 to start or develop a business. Both beginners and people with business experience can apply. By the end of 2023, there will be 8 more waves of applications for grants under the Own Business program with a total funding of UAH 1 billion.

It is expected to issue 10,000 microgrants and 1,000 recycling grants during the year. In addition, the Government’s priority is to support the creation and development of veteran businesses.

"It is extremely important that, in addition to providing grants, we offer training, retraining, and additional qualifications to help Ukrainian entrepreneurs become even more successful. Currently, five grant projects are available to Ukrainians under the eRobota program: Own Business, grants for recycling enterprises, grants for veterans and their spouses, and grants for a greenhouse or garden. A new wave of recycling grants starts tomorrow. Under the program, you can get a grant of up to UAH 8 million,” emphasized Yuliia Svyrydenko.

The First Deputy Prime Minister thanked the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine and Ambassador Bridget Brink, the USAID program, who have been a reliable support throughout the year. She expressed confidence that support would continue to be provided so that Ukrainians could start their own businesses, engage in recycling, launch veteran-owned businesses, and keep the economy moving forward.