Applications open for Veteran Business School Program (Ukraine)

Deadline: 20-Sep-2026

The Veteran Business School Program provides free business training, mentorship, practical workshops, and grant funding to veterans and eligible family members from Mykolaiv and Vinnytsia oblasts of Ukraine who want to start, restore, or grow their own businesses. The program supports the reintegration of veterans and their families into civilian life by helping participants strengthen their financial stability, develop entrepreneurial skills, and create new professional and business opportunities. Following completion of the three-month training programme, up to 20 of the best business plans can receive grants of up to €3,000 each to support the development of their business ideas.

About the Veteran Business School Program

The Veteran Business School Program was established to help veterans and their families transition into civilian life through entrepreneurship and professional development. The initiative focuses on participants from Mykolaiv and Vinnytsia oblasts who are interested in starting a new business, restoring an existing business, or developing their entrepreneurial activities. The program combines structured business education with practical exercises, mentorship, business planning, and post-training support. This approach enables participants to move from a business idea toward a more clearly developed and financially considered business plan. Who Implements the Program? The program is implemented by the Ukrainian Red Cross with support from the Danish Red Cross and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark. Educational delivery is provided by the International Institute of Management (MIM). The initiative brings together humanitarian support, business education, mentorship, and financial assistance to help veterans and their families pursue sustainable economic opportunities. Who Can Apply? The Veteran Business School Program is designed for veterans and eligible family members from Mykolaiv and Vinnytsia oblasts.

Eligible participants include:

- Veterans who have been discharged from the Armed Forces of Ukraine. - Family members of veterans from the eligible regions. - Families of servicemen who are missing. - Families of servicemen who are or have been in captivity. - Individuals who are motivated to start, restore, or develop their own business. Applicants must have a genuine interest in entrepreneurship and be willing to participate in the business training programme and develop their own business plan. What Does the Training Include? Participants receive comprehensive business education designed to help them understand the key elements involved in creating and developing a business.

The curriculum includes:

- Entrepreneurship fundamentals. - Business model development. - Financial planning. - Assessment of investment needs. - Marketing strategy. - Operational strategy. - Business plan preparation. - Business plan pitching. - Risk management. - Legal aspects of running a business. The programme combines theoretical learning with practical workshops and group work, allowing participants to apply the concepts to their own business ideas. Mentorship and Post-Training Support In addition to formal business education, participants receive mentorship from experienced experts. Mentorship can help participants refine their business concepts, improve their business plans, understand financial and operational requirements, and prepare for presenting their ideas. Participants also receive support after completing the training, helping them continue developing their entrepreneurial plans beyond the main educational programme. Grant Funding of Up to €3,000 One of the key benefits of the programme is the opportunity to receive grant funding. Following completion of the training, up to 20 of the best business plans can receive grants of up to €3,000. The grants are intended to help successful participants move forward with their business plans and support the development, restoration, or launch of their businesses. Grant funding is competitive, meaning participation in the training does not automatically guarantee a grant. Business plans are assessed through the programme’s selection process. How Is the Program Delivered? The Veteran Business School Program is provided free of charge to participants.

The training is delivered:

- Online through Zoom. - Over a three-month period. - Twice a week. - During evening sessions. The online format allows eligible veterans and family members to participate in the programme without needing to attend a physical training location. Why the Program Matters Veterans and their families may face significant challenges when transitioning from military service to civilian life. Access to employment, stable income, professional development, and new career opportunities can be important parts of this transition. By combining business education, mentorship, and potential grant funding, the Veteran Business School Program provides participants with practical tools to pursue entrepreneurship. The programme also supports broader economic reintegration by helping veterans and their families develop businesses that can contribute to their own financial stability and create new professional opportunities. Key Benefits of the Veteran Business School Program

Participants can benefit from

- Free participation in a three-month business education programme. - Online learning through Zoom. - Practical business workshops. - Group work and collaborative learning. - Mentorship from experienced experts. - Business planning support. - Training in financial and investment planning. - Marketing and operational strategy development. - Guidance on risk management and legal aspects of business. - Post-training support. - Opportunity to compete for grants of up to €3,000. - Up to 20 of the best business plans selected for grant funding. What Applicants Should Prepare Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate a clear motivation to start, restore, or de