Mercy Corps BLOOM Program: Individual Cash Assistance to Support Microbusiness Initiatives

The international humanitarian organization Mercy Corps announces a call for applications for individual cash assistance to support microbusiness initiatives under the BLOOM (Building Livelihoods and Opportunities for Optimised Markets) program. The initiative aims to support war-affected self-employed individuals and microbusinesses to reduce household reliance on humanitarian aid and create new income sources for the most vulnerable and socially excluded populations.

Within the program, participants can receive financial support ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 (in UAH equivalent at the current NBU exchange rate) to start or develop their own business. Specifically, grants of $1,000 to $3,000 are available for self-employed individuals, and $1,000 to $5,000 for registered private entrepreneurs (FOPs). Funds are provided exclusively for the targeted purchase of necessary assets, devices, tools, and equipment for conducting business.

The program operates in designated territories controlled by the Government of Ukraine, excluding areas of active hostilities and high-risk zones. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) and local residents of Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts are eligible to participate. Additionally, the program is open to IDPs and veterans in Poltava, Cherkasy, and Kirovohrad oblasts, as well as to LGBTIQ+ community representatives in the city of Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast.

The project is funded by the UK Government through UK Aid and is implemented by the BLOOM consortium, which includes Mercy Corps, Swisscontact, and the Right to Protection (R2P) Charitable Fund, with the support of local public and charitable organizations. Priority during selection will be given to applicants with high social vulnerability and economically viable, sustainable business plans.

Self-employed individuals, registered private entrepreneurs (FOPs), and microbusinesses belonging to the following categories can submit applications for financial assistance:

• Internally displaced persons (IDPs) registered after 2022.
• Veterans (subject to the availability of documentary proof of status).
• Local residents (individuals registered in territories where hostilities are taking or took place).
• Representatives of ethnic and LGBTIQ+ communities.

Geographical criteria: Assistance is provided to individuals who are registered and reside in territories controlled by the Government of Ukraine (excluding areas of active hostilities, zones with limited access, or a high threat to life and business):

• For IDPs and the local population: Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Sumy, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.
• For IDPs and veterans: Poltava, Cherkasy, and Kirovohrad oblasts.
• For representatives of LGBTIQ+ communities: Kyiv city and Kyiv Oblast.

• The average amount of financial assistance ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 in UAH equivalent at the current NBU exchange rate. For self-employed individuals, support is provided in the amount of $1,000 to $3,000. For registered private entrepreneurs (FOPs), support is provided in the amount of $1,000 to $5,000.

Terms of fund utilization:

• Funds are allocated exclusively for the purchase of necessary assets to conduct or start a business (devices, tools, equipment, etc.).

Co-financing:

•  Co-financing is not required; however, the business plan must demonstrate realistic financial calculations and economic viability.

Grant funds are allocated exclusively for targeted purposes to ensure the viability and development of microbusinesses. Supported activities include:

• Starting a business from scratch.
• Restoring or scaling an existing microbusiness or self-employment.
• Purchasing necessary assets for conducting business activities (buying devices, work tools, specialized equipment, etc.).

• September 1, 2026: Start of the application period for the program.
• Until October 15, 2026: The application submission period is ongoing. Applications can only be submitted after mandatory registration on the program website's main page.
• October 15, 2026: Application deadline.

Application submission is carried out exclusively in an electronic format:

• Step 1: Create an account on the main page of the program website. It is impossible to submit an application without prior registration.

• Step 2: After registration, gain access to the system, fill out the application form, and attach the developed business plan with financial calculations.

Priority during selection will be given to participants with a high dependence on humanitarian or state assistance to meet basic needs. The evaluation is based on two key factors:

1. Social vulnerability of the household:

• Presence of a disability and/or the need for constant care for a family member.
• Single mother or father status.
• Raising a child left without parental care.
• Presence of three or more minor children in the family.
• Belonging to LGBTQI+ or ethnic minorities.
• Presence of chronic diseases requiring continuous treatment.
• Presence of a pregnant woman or a child under three years of age in the household.
• The applicant is 60 years of age or older.
• The total primary income of all household members, calculated per person per month, is lower than the minimum wage in Ukraine (8,647 UAH as of 01.01.2026).

2. Economic viability of the business:

• A clear business plan.
• Realistic and justified financial calculations.
• Understanding of the target market and customer flow.
• Potential for successful business operation and an overall increase in household income.
• Demonstration of the realism and sustainability of the overall business idea.

• A clear business plan with realistic financial calculations.
• Documentary proof of veteran status (for applicants applying under this category).
• Documents confirming the registration of a private entrepreneur (for active FOPs applying for a grant of up to $5,000).
• Documents confirming household social vulnerability (e.g., disability certificates, single mother/father status, income certificate, IDP status, etc., depending on the criteria specified in the application).