Microbusiness Grants Competition for Entrepreneurs in Ukraine

Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation is offering grants to start, restore, or expand micro and small businesses in selected regions of Ukraine. The maximum grant is UAH 139,100, and applications are due 15 October 2026, inclusive. Priority is given to people affected by displacement and war, along with other vulnerable applicants. The competition supports people who want to launch a business or restore or grow an existing micro or small enterprise. Helvetas implements the project with financial support from the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic through its Aid in Place programme. The maximum grant is UAH 139,100. According to the supplied text, if the grant amount includes 18% personal income tax and a 5% military levy, the amount available to the recipient may be UAH 107,107. Applicants should check the competition rules for how this calculation applies to them.

Eligible costs include:

The grant does not cover certain costs, including construction of business premises, taxes, salaries, bank fees, debts, fuel, rent, utilities, targeted advertising, military items, and medicines. The full list is in the competition regulations. One person may receive only one grant under this competition.

The following applicants may apply:

Applicants must meet the geographic conditions for Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Odesa, or Vinnytsia oblast. On the application date, they must not be located or operating in a temporarily occupied area of Ukraine.

Priority consideration is given to:

The programme also gives particular attention to women and young people who run or plan to start businesses. Proposed activities may include manufacturing, services, hospitality and food service, small-scale farming, construction and repair, IT and telecommunications, creative industries, education, and healthcare services. The supplied list is not exhaustive. The grant focuses on practical purchases that can help an entrepreneur begin trading, recover operations, or increase capacity. Its regional and applicant priorities direct attention to people and communities affected by displacement and the war. The supplied text does not contain direct links to the form or business-plan template. Use the links in Helvetas Ukraine’s official announcement. An online question-and-answer session is scheduled for 8 October 2026 at 3:00 p.m. Registration information is available through Helvetas Ukraine’s official Facebook page. Send questions for the session to [contact details removed] by 6 October 2026. Follow-up questions will be accepted at the same address until 11:59 p.m. on 13 October 2026. What is the maximum grant? Up to UAH 139,100. The supplied text states that the amount available may be UAH 107,107 where the specified taxes are included. Can someone who is not a registered sole proprietor apply? Yes. The listed applicant categories include people conducting independent commercial activity without sole-proprietor registration and experienced people planning to start a business. Which regions are covered? Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Odesa, and Vinnytsia oblasts, with an emphasis on small towns and rural areas. Who receives priority? Displaced and returning people, veterans, and specified vulnerable groups receive priority. Women and young people receive particular attention. What can the grant pay for? Equipment, consumables within the 20% limit, and equipment setup or related consulting. Can the grant pay for rent or salaries? No. Rent, utilities, and salaries are among the costs excluded in the supplied text. What is the deadline? Applications are due 15 October 2026, inclusive. Eligible entrepreneurs in the four covered oblasts can seek support to start, restore, or grow a micro or small business. Before submitting, applicants should review the full competition regulations, prepare a realistic eligible-cost budget and business plan, and check all documents and links carefully because the application form can be completed only once.