Grant support businesses from DRC

The grant programme of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as entrepreneurs affected by the war, to help them restore or continue their business activities.

Key programme features:

• The programme targets businesses impacted by the war and in need of support;
• Applications are open to businesses located in Kharkiv region;
• Applicants must complete the application form fully and accurately;
• Applications submitted by third parties or individuals without direct connection to the business will not be considered;
• Applicants may contact DRC for assistance or clarification if needed.

To participate in the grant programme, applicants must meet defined criteria related to business status, experience, and operations.

Key requirements:

• Be a registered business or sole entrepreneur with up to 20 employees;
• Have at least 2 years of operational experience in the relevant field;
• Have paid taxes during the last six months;
• Operate legally and in compliance with applicable regulations;
• Not have received similar support within the past 6 months;
• Have no legal restrictions preventing participation.

Application requirements:

• Submit a clear business plan outlining the use of the grant;
• Demonstrate that products or services meet market demand;
• Provide elements of marketing justification.

Who can apply:

• Businesses or sole entrepreneurs active for at least 2 years;
• Companies with up to 20 employees and annual turnover up to UAH 9 million;
• Businesses affected by the war or relocated and continuing operations.

Geographical focus:

• The programme targets entrepreneurs from communities in Kharkiv region, including:
  Vilkhivska, Rohanska, Bezliudivska, Mala Danylivska, Vysochanska, Derhachivska, Solonytsivska, Pisochanska, Tsyrkunivska, and Zolochivska.

Financial cap:

• The maximum grant amount is up to USD 5,000 (depending on the business plan).

Within the grant programme, financial support is provided with a flexible grant amount:

• Grant size: from $1,000 to $5,000 — depending on business needs and number of employees.

*Grants are converted into UAH based on the exchange rate in effect at the time of payment.

Within the grant programme, both financial and non-financial support is provided to strengthen business operations.

Additional support:

• The programme offers up to 5 hours of business консультації, including accounting, marketing, and legal advisory support.

Eligible use of funds:

• Purchase of equipment;
• Rent of premises — up to 25% of the grant amount;
• Restoration of damaged premises;
• Other business-related needs.

Important condition:

• Applications prepared with the involvement of third parties will not be considered.

The grant programme defines the following key timeline stages:

• Call publication date: 25 March 2026;
• Application deadline: until 30 April 2026;
• After submission, applications are reviewed by the organisers;
• Applicants are informed whether they are shortlisted within up to three months after the deadline.

Within the programme, applicants are expected to approach the application process thoroughly and carefully.

Key steps:

• Complete the application by providing a detailed and honest description of motivation, business idea, and development plans;
• Submit comprehensive information to support proper evaluation and decision-making;
• Prepare a well-developed business plan, as it significantly influences the selection outcome.

Important conditions:

• The number of grants is limited, and registration may close once the maximum number of applications is reached;
• Submission of an application does not guarantee funding;
• All applications are assessed according to programme criteria;
• Applicants who pass the initial screening will be contacted for further stages of the selection process.

Within the grant programme, priority in application evaluation is given to projects that align with key socio-economic support objectives.

Main evaluation priorities include:

• Vulnerable households, including single parents, persons with disabilities, and people affected by conflict;
• Businesses that create or retain jobs;
• Enterprises providing essential goods and services to communities;
• Businesses in agriculture and related sectors, especially those involved in value chains (production, processing, logistics, services for farmers).

These criteria aim to support economic resilience and improve market access.

Key application components:

• A business plan clearly describing how the grant funds will be used;
• Description of the business and experience (at least 2 years in the relevant field);
• Evidence of market relevance (products/services and demand);
• Justification of funding needs, including elements of market analysis.

Financial and legal information:

• Business details (number of employees — up to 20);
• Information on tax payments for the last 6 months;
• Confirmation of no legal restrictions;
• Confirmation that the applicant has not received similar support within the last 6 months.

Important:

• All submitted information must be accurate, complete, and well-prepared;
• The quality of the business plan significantly affects the final decision;
• Incomplete or weakly justified applications may be rejected.