Microgrants for war-affected entrepreneurs

The project is implemented by the Ukrainian branch of Help – Hilfe zur Selbsthilfe and aims to strengthen resilience, inclusion, and local capacities in communities.

• The programme includes a component of grant support for self-employment and startups, including emergency business grants.
• It targets entrepreneurs whose activities have been negatively affected by the war and require recovery or stabilization.
• The support is designed to ensure continuity of business activities under limited financial conditions.

Main applicant requirements:

• the applicant must be a sole proprietor (FOP) registered no later than 01 January 2026;
• business activity or income must have been affected by the war, and lack of equipment limits recovery;
• the business must be registered and operating in government-controlled areas of Ukraine;
• the applicant independently manages a microbusiness and intends to continue operations;
• up to 10 employees and assets not exceeding €350,000;
• no record of corruption or fraud-related offenses;
• veterans applying to start a business must register as FOP before signing the grant agreement.

Priority groups:

• women, including internally displaced persons or those living in conflict-affected communities;
• families with children, elderly or persons with disabilities, as well as single parents and IDPs;
• entrepreneurs whose businesses were damaged, destroyed, or relocated;
• veterans (with подтверждающие documents);
• women heading households (e.g. due to military service or loss of spouse);
• entrepreneurs in frontline communities providing essential goods and services.

The programme provides a microgrant in monetary form to support business activities.

Funding amount:

• up to €3,000 (in UAH equivalent based on the NBU exchange rate);

Eligible use of funds:

• purchase of equipment and tools approved by the organisation;
• coverage of bank fees;
• partially allowed:
  • raw materials and supplies — up to 10% of the grant;
  • tools and inventory (supporting equipment elements) — up to 20%;
  • small tools (up to UAH 2,000 per unit).

Important conditions:

• applicants must not receive similar funding for the same equipment;
• purchased items must be directly used in business activities;
• selling or transferring purchased assets is prohibited for 2 years after signing the grant agreement.

Within the programme, funding is aimed at developing microbusinesses through targeted use of funds.

Eligible expenses:

• purchase of equipment and tools;
• inventory and components (up to 20% of the budget);
• auxiliary materials (up to 10% of the budget);
• coverage of bank fees.

Supported business activities:

• microbusinesses in craft production and service sectors;
• examples include:
  • food production;
  • woodworking;
  • textile products;
  • equipment repair;
  • household services;

All activities must involve equipment necessary for starting or restoring operations.

Restrictions:

• intermediary trade and services are not supported;
• rental activities are not eligible;
• agriculture without processing is not supported.

The call was published on 27 March 2026.

The application period is open until 14 April 2026 (17:00).

The programme is marked as active until 14 April 2026.

Key stages:

• announcement of the call and opening of applications;
• application preparation and submission period;
• closure of submissions at the official deadline.

Additionally:

• the organiser may extend the deadline in case of an insufficient number of applications;
• any updates will be communicated via official information channels.

The application process consists of several steps and requires compliance with defined rules.

Accepted file formats:

• word, doc, odt, pdf, jpeg;
• maximum file size — up to 10 MB.

Application steps:

1. Download, complete, and save the application form in Excel format.
2. Download, sign, and photograph the “Signature and consent to data processing” document.
3. Fill in the registration form and attach all required documents.
4. Upload the completed application and click “Submit”.

Important:

• applications without a complete set of documents will not be considered;
• each applicant can submit the form only once;
• all data should be carefully checked before submission.

Warning:

• applicants should not share sensitive information (bank details, CVV codes, etc.);
• such data may be misused by fraudsters.

A video tutorial on how to fill out the application is available at the following link: video tutorial

The selection process within the programme consists of two stages:

• assessment of submitted business plans and documents;
• interview with the applicant (with possible adjustment of the equipment list).

Applicants are informed about the results of each stage via email.

Key eligibility criteria:

• a justified need for equipment to restore or continue business activities;
• negative impact of the war on the business (loss of income, assets, or market access);
• economic vulnerability (unstable or insufficient income);
• inability to self-finance recovery;
• potential to restore income within 3 months after receiving the grant;
• no duplication of support for the same equipment.

Additional notes:

• the grant is transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account (in designated banks);
• Help acts as a tax agent and pays taxes on behalf of the recipient;
• the grant amount is not reduced by paid taxes.

To submit an application, the applicant must prepare and upload a complete set of documents.

Required documents:

• completed application form in Excel format (for starting or developing a business);
• signed “Signature and consent to data processing” document (photo/scan);
• all documents attached in the registration form as required.

Important:

• missing any required document means the application will not be considered;
• all files must be uploaded in the appropriate fields of the form.

Additional conditions:

• each applicant may submit the form only once;
• all data and attachments should be carefully checked before submission.

There are requirements regarding proper reporting to Help on the use of the grant.