The Ministry of Economy of Ukraine has updated the “Own Business” grant program, which is one of the key state support instruments for small and medium-sized enterprises. The new rules provide for increased funding, more flexible conditions for entrepreneurs, and separate opportunities both for starting a business and scaling existing companies.
The updated model of the program will come into force on September 1, 2026. Until then, the current version of the program will remain active. The changes are aimed at making state support more accessible to entrepreneurs, encouraging job creation, and stimulating business development even in regions most affected by the war.
🧩What Support Areas Does the Updated Program Include?
The program is now divided into two separate directions:
- Business start-up support — for individuals planning to launch their own business or those at the early stages of entrepreneurial activity;
- Business scaling support — for entrepreneurs already operating in the market who want to expand production, open new business lines, modernize equipment, or increase staff numbers.
This approach allows state support to better address different stages of business development. While the program previously focused mainly on basic microgrants, it now offers tools for full-scale business growth and expansion.
💵What Grant Amounts Can Businesses Receive?
For starting a business, the program provides:
- a basic grant amount ranging from UAH 100,000 to UAH 300,000;
- a maximum amount, including bonuses, of up to UAH 500,000.
For business scaling:
- the basic amount ranges from UAH 500,000 to UAH 1.5 million;
- the maximum amount of support, including bonuses, can reach UAH 2.5 million.
The amount of funding will depend on:
- the number of new jobs created;
- the region where the project is implemented;
- the sector of activity;
- the applicant category.
According to the government, the updated system is designed to provide more targeted support for businesses. The greater the economic and social impact of a project, the higher the potential grant amount.
🆕What Exactly Has Changed in the Program?
One of the key changes is the introduction of a unified procedure for all grant recipients. Previously, different types of microgrants operated under separate rules, while the updated model aims to make the support mechanism more standardized and easier for entrepreneurs to understand. This is expected to simplify participation and reduce bureaucratic barriers.
The approach to funding amounts has also changed:
- previously, grant amounts were fixed at UAH 200,000 or UAH 350,000;
- now, the amounts are more flexible and can increase through a bonus system.
In addition:
- creating new jobs is no longer mandatory for business start-ups;
- for business scaling, creating only one new job is sufficient.
These changes may be particularly important for small businesses, startups, and self-employed individuals who may not be able to hire many employees immediately but have promising business ideas.
🎁Bonuses Added to the Grant Amount
The updated program introduces additional bonuses to the basic grant amount depending on the applicant category, business location, and the socio-economic impact of the project.
+5% bonus is available for:
- young entrepreneurs aged 18 to 25.
This bonus is intended to support youth entrepreneurship and encourage young people to start their own businesses in Ukraine.
+20% bonus is available for:
- veteran-owned businesses;
- VAT payers;
- applicants holding a patent for an invention or utility model;
- internally displaced persons (IDPs) with more than six months of entrepreneurial experience;
- relocated businesses;
- entrepreneurs creating two new jobs.
These bonuses are designed to support entrepreneurs who create added value, implement innovations, employ people, and contribute to Ukraine’s economic recovery.
+30% bonus can be received by entrepreneurs who:
- operate or plan to operate in frontline regions;
- direct funding toward restoring damaged or destroyed production facilities.
Frontline regions include:
- Dnipropetrovsk;
- Donetsk;
- Zaporizhzhia;
- Mykolaiv;
- Odesa;
- Sumy;
- Kharkiv;
- Kherson;
- Chernihiv regions;
- Slavutych community in Kyiv region.
This increased bonus is intended to stimulate economic activity, preserve jobs, and support business recovery in territories most affected by the war.
+50% bonus is available for projects in priority sectors of the economy, including manufacturing, agricultural processing, energy, logistics, IT, innovation, and other areas important for Ukraine’s economic recovery. The additional support is expected to encourage businesses that create jobs, strengthen economic resilience, and contribute to the modernization of the Ukrainian economy.
According to the government, the development of these sectors should become the foundation for economic growth, production localization, and reduced dependence on imports.
🛠️What Can the Grant Funds Be Used For?
The funding may be used for:
- purchasing equipment;
- renting and renovating premises;
- business digitalization;
- marketing;
- production development.
Grant funding can help entrepreneurs modernize production processes, increase operational capacity, improve competitiveness, and enter new markets. Special attention is given to supporting businesses with long-term development potential and the ability to create added value in Ukraine.
🔍How to Apply
Applications will be submitted through the Diia portal. To participate, applicants will need to:
- prepare a business plan;
- submit an online application;
- пройти перевірку та оцінювання відповідно до умов програми.
During the evaluation process, particular attention will be paid to the viability of the business idea, job creation potential, financial capacity to implement the project, and long-term business development prospects.
📌Why Is This Important for Businesses?
The updated program reflects a shift in the government’s approach to supporting entrepreneurship — from basic microgrants toward a more comprehensive model focused on business growth and scaling. The new conditions may provide additional opportunities for launching businesses, modernizing production, creating jobs, and developing entrepreneurship even in challenging regions of the country.
For many entrepreneurs, the updated program may become not only a source of financial support but also an opportunity to scale operations, improve business resilience, and adapt to new economic realities.