Briefly
Program description
The support programme aims to help participants create a new business or develop an existing one (up to 2 years) through training, mentoring support, and an opportunity to receive a grant of up to EUR 7,000 for businesses operating in Kyiv, Chernihiv, or Sumy regions.
The initiative is being implemented by Startup Ukraine as part of a project by the International Organization for Migration (IOM)
with funding from the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development
through the German development bank KfW.
Main Information
Eligibility
Who can participate:
- Participants from the Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Sumy regions who have a business idea and want to start their own business.
- Entrepreneurs from the Kyiv, Chernihiv, or Sumy regions whose businesses are in the early stages of development—up to 2 years old.
Businesses operating in the following areas are not eligible:
- weapons;
- ammunition;
- alcohol;
- tobacco;
- radioactive materials;
- asbestos;
- pharmaceuticals;
- pesticides and herbicides with
- international restrictions;
- medical facilities, pharmacies;
- gambling equipment;
- luxury items.
Financing
Grant funds (7000 EUR) can be used for business development.
The grant is provided on a co-financing basis. First, you receive 70% of the grant amount to your account. Then you make purchases for the full amount of the project budget, adding your own contribution of 30%. After submitting your report, you will be reimbursed for the remaining 30% of the grant.
Accommodation, meals, and travel to the final offline event will be provided to all program participants.
Supported Activities
- Online theory on the platform: video lessons and materials.
- Live online workshops: group work with trainers.
- Homework assignments: applying tools to your own project.
- Mentoring support (5 weeks): group sessions with practicing entrepreneurs.
- Business plan: preparation and writing.
- Final defenses: online presentation of projects to the commission.
- Offline graduation in Kyiv: two-day educational event and awards ceremony.
Roadmap
| Stage | Stage title | Dates | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Application submission | January 5 – January 30 | Application period for participation in the programme. Applicants complete the application form and pass the initial screening. |
| Stage 2 | Selection results | February 5 | Announcement of participants who proceed to the educational part of the programme. |
| Stage 3 | Online programme opening | February 9 | Introduction to the programme, the team, and the learning schedule. |
| Stage 4 | Online training | February 9 – March 12 | 4-week training phase: video lessons, practical workshops, and assignments on the platform. |
| Stage 5 | Mentorship support | March 16 – April 23 | Work with mentors on the project and preparation of the business plan. |
| Stage 6 | Business plan defence | April 27 – May 1 | Online defences before the selection committee. Grant winners are determined based on the results. |
| Stage 7 | Graduation (offline) | May 9–10 | Two-day event in Kyiv: workshops, award ceremony, and networking. |
How to Apply
You can apply to participate by following this link.
FAQ
No. The program is only available to participants from the Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Sumy regions — this is a requirement of the donors.
Yes. The program is suitable for participants with a business idea who want to test it and prepare it for launch.
Only the following individuals may participate:
- the business owner;
- a co-owner;
- or an individual launching their own project.
Company employees without strategic decision-making authority are not eligible to participate.
Yes. To complete the program, receive a certificate, and be eligible to apply for a grant, you must participate in training, workshops, mentoring, and defense.
Yes, you can participate in the program.
However, participants who have previously received a grant from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) will not be eligible to participate in the grant competition at the end of the program.
However, you will still be able to complete the training, receive mentoring support, and work on developing your business.
Updates / Announcements
Selection results will be sent by email after the application intake is completed.
Reporting and Compliance
The grant can be used for business development, in particular for:
- purchasing equipment and tools;
- repairing or furnishing premises;
- purchasing raw materials (up to 50% of the grant amount).