The government has expanded the “Own Business” program: who is eligible to receive up to 500,000 hryvnias
30 June 06:28
Entrepreneurs from the Odesa region and the city of Slavutych are now eligible for increased grants under the government’s “Own Business” program. Up to 500,000 hryvnias can be obtained to start a new business or expand an existing one. This was reported by the “Diya” service, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
The program has been expanded to support businesses in areas facing heightened military and economic risks. The amount of funding depends on the number of jobs the applicant commits to creating after receiving the funds.
Which regions have been added to the program
The new conditions now apply to:
- Odesa Oblast;
- the city of Slavutych in Kyiv Oblast.
Previously, the opportunity to receive an increased grant of up to 500,000 hryvnias was offered to entrepreneurs who operate or plan to operate in the following regions:
- Kharkiv;
- Donetsk;
- Dnipropetrovsk;
- Zaporizhzhia;
- Mykolaiv;
- Kherson;
- Chernihiv;
- Sumy.
The expansion of the program is intended to help entrepreneurs preserve jobs, restore damaged businesses, or launch new production operations under challenging conditions.
How much money can be received
For entrepreneurs in the Odesa region, Slavutych, and other designated areas, higher grant limits apply.
The amount of assistance depends on the number of jobs created:
- up to 300,000 hryvnias —provided at least one person is hired;
- up to 500,000 hryvnias — provided that at least two new jobs are created.
The specific amount is determined based on the submitted business plan, planned expenses, and the results of the applicant’s review.
Receiving the maximum amount is not automatic: the entrepreneur must justify the need for funding and demonstrate the viability of the business idea.
Who Can Apply
The following individuals are eligible to participate in the program:
- Ukrainian citizens who are just planning to start a business;
- active individual entrepreneurs;
- legal entities whose ultimate owners are Ukrainian citizens.
An individual without a registered sole proprietorship may also apply. If the application is approved, they must register their business and comply with the terms of the grant agreement.
What requirements must be met
The applicant must meet the program’s requirements and pass a business reputation check.
Key requirements include:
- no tax arrears;
- no business activities in the temporarily occupied territory;
- no employment or business operations in Russia;
- not being on any sanctions lists;
- no pending bankruptcy proceedings;
- no criminal record for corruption offenses;
- a realistic business plan;
- willingness to create the required number of jobs.
Restrictions also apply to certain types of activities, including the manufacture or sale of weapons, tobacco products, alcohol, and currency exchange.
What the grant can be used for
Grant funds may only be used for business expenses specified by the program.
The following are eligible for funding:
- the purchase of equipment;
- the purchase of raw materials and supplies;
- renting or leasing equipment;
- rental of premises;
- marketing and advertising;
- purchase of software;
- franchise fees;
- setting up a workspace;
- launching or expanding production.
Expenses must be consistent with the business plan that the applicant submitted along with the application.
Grant funds may not be used for personal needs, repayment of third-party loans, or the purchase of goods not related to business activities.
How Much Can Be Spent on Rent
Only a specified portion of the grant may be used to pay rent for non-residential premises.
Under the program’s general rules, rent expenses must not exceed 25% of the grant amount received.
For example, from a grant of 500,000 hryvnias, up to 125,000 hryvnias can be allocated for rent, provided this aligns with the business plan and funding conditions.
How to Apply Through “Diyu”
To participate in the program, you must:
- Log in to the “Diy” portal using BankID or an electronic signature.
- Open the “Grant for Your Own Business” service.
- Fill out the online application.
- Upload a business plan using the prescribed form.
- Verify the information provided.
- Sign the application with an electronic signature.
- Submit it for review.
An individual entrepreneur or the head of a legal entity must use an electronic signature linked to the business.
What Happens After Submitting the Application
After the documents are submitted, the bank verifies the applicant’s business reputation and information about their financial status.
Next, the employment center:
- analyze the business plan;
- assess the feasibility of the project;
- conducts an interview;
- verifies the potential for job creation;
- prepares a recommendation on granting the grant.
The decision is made by the State Employment Center. The applicant is notified of the result via “Diyu.”
If approved, you must contact Oschadbank, open a special account, and sign an agreement.
How to Write a Business Plan
The business plan must demonstrate that the project will be viable, generate revenue, and fulfill its obligations to the state.
The document must include:
- a description of the goods or services;
- target audience;
- an analysis of competitors;
- sources of revenue;
- planned expenses;
- required equipment;
- sales forecast;
- number of jobs;
- launch dates;
- risks and ways to mitigate them.
Unrealistic financial projections, inconsistent calculations, or the absence of a clear sales plan may result in rejection.
Do You Have to Repay the Grant?
A grant is not a typical bank loan, so there is no need to repay it monthly.
However, the recipient undertakes to:
- create the specified number of jobs;
- operate the business for at least three years;
- to officially hire employees;
- pay taxes and the unified social contribution;
- use the funds exclusively for their intended purpose.
If an entrepreneur violates the terms, ceases operations before the established deadline, or fails to create jobs, the government may demand the return of the funds or a portion thereof.
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What grants are available under general terms
In 2026, the base amounts of assistance under the “Own Business” program depend on the number of jobs created.
Under the general rules, you can receive:
- up to 100,000 hryvnias—without the requirement to create a job;
- up to 200,000 hryvnias — for creating one job;
- up to 350,000 hryvnias — for creating two jobs.
For certain regions, including Odesa Oblast and Slavutych, the maximum amount has been increased to 500,000 hryvnias.
Special conditions and higher amounts are available for veterans, their family members, the creative industries, and preschool education institutions.
Grant for Young Entrepreneurs
Young people aged 18 to 25 can receive up to 200,000 hryvnias to start their own business.
For this category, there is no mandatory requirement to create a new job.
Once the application is approved, the young entrepreneur must register as a sole proprietor, conduct business operations, and fulfill the financial obligations stipulated by the program.
This opportunity is designed for those who are just starting their entrepreneurial journey and do not yet have significant start-up capital.
What Results Has the Program Achieved?
The “Own Business” program was launched in July 2022 as part of the government’s “eRobota” project.
Since its inception, more than 34,000 applications for microgrants have been approved.
The total amount of support has approached 9 billion hryvnias, and the business projects implemented have created over 60,000 jobs.
The program has become one of the key government tools for supporting micro- and small businesses during the war.
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