The range of regions in Ukraine where entrepreneurs can obtain an increased grant of up to UAH 500,000 under the state program “єРобота” for starting or developing their own business has been expanded. Now, businesses from the Odesa region, as well as the city of Slavutych in the Kyiv region, which was not previously on this list, can apply for funding.
This information is available on the “Diia” portal.
Initially, the project was only accessible to entrepreneurs from the Kharkiv region. Subsequently, the program’s geography was extended to include frontline and nine other regions: Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, Kherson, Chernihiv, and Sumy.
In these areas, entrepreneurs have the opportunity to receive grant amounts double those available under standard conditions. The final payout amount directly depends on the number of jobs created. If one job is created, UAH 300,000 is allocated, and if at least two jobs are created, the amount is UAH 500,000.
A separate offer is available for young entrepreneurs under 25 years old: they can receive a grant of up to UAH 150,000 without the mandatory requirement of creating new jobs.
Who can participate and what the funds can be used for
Ukrainians who are planning to start their own business, as well as existing sole proprietors (FOPs) and Ukrainian companies, can utilize the state support. The main requirements are that the business must not operate in temporarily occupied territories (TOTs) and must not have any debts to the state. The received funds can be directed towards essential business needs, including purchasing equipment, acquiring raw materials and supplies, or paying for rental space.
The primary condition applies: the mandatory creation of at least one or two jobs (depending on the funding amount), with the exception of the youth grant.
How to apply through Diia
The application process is fully digitized and takes place through the state portal:
- Log in to the “Diia” portal.
- Find and open the “Grant for your own business” service.
- Fill out the online application and attach your business plan.
- Submit the documents for review.
- Undergo a mandatory interview at the employment center.
- Await the official decision on funding allocation.
What is known about the “єРобота” program
This is a large-scale government program of non-repayable grants aimed at supporting Ukrainian businesses, creating new jobs, and stimulating the economy during the war. Applications, along with a business plan, can be submitted online via the “Diia” portal.
This direction is the most popular. Depending on the purpose and the number of jobs created, funding amounts are allocated differently: from UAH 100,000 to UAH 350,000.
Applications can be submitted by existing entrepreneurs and legal entities, as well as citizens who are just planning to start a business. The main requirements include the absence of budget debts, judicial transparency (no critical risks), and operation outside of temporarily occupied territories.
It is important that the grant is non-repayable only if its main conditions are met: successful business operation for three years and official employment of people in the created jobs. All allocated funds are monitored and must be spent strictly according to the approved business plan.