VIDNOVA Project

The Czech humanitarian organization People in Need, with financial support from Switzerland through the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, announces a micro-grant competition for local and relocated micro and small enterprises that employ socially vulnerable workers.

Micro-grants of up to USD 5,000 (disbursed in the Ukrainian hryvnia equivalent) are offered to support critical adaptation needs and enhance the inclusiveness of the workplace environment.

The project includes advocacy and information campaigns, as well as opportunities to attend roundtables and trainings focused on discussing issues related to inclusivity.

- valid state registration of entrepreneurial activity;
- micro and small enterprises (sole proprietorships and legal entities) that employ socially vulnerable workers (persons with disabilities, internally displaced persons, single mothers/fathers/guardians, people of pre-retirement age (50+) or older (60+), representatives of ethnic minorities, veterans);
- mandatory co-financing of at least 20% of the grant amount.

ELIGIBLE EXPENSES THAT MAY BE COVERED BY THE GRANT FUNDING:

• purchase or adaptation of specialized equipment for socially vulnerable workers (for example: procurement of hand-operated sewing machines for persons with limited physical abilities; acquisition of computers with adapted software for people with visual impairments; installation of adjustable desks and ergonomic chairs; modernization of tools and machinery to reduce physical strain on workers, etc.);

• modification of premises to create a safe, inclusive, and dignified working environment (for example: installation of ramps and handrails for persons with limited mobility; arrangement of accessible restrooms; improved lighting and ventilation; creation of rest areas; adaptation of workstations for employees with special needs, etc.);

• provision of technical or professional training for socially vulnerable workers and staff (for example: skills improvement courses, training on how to use new equipment, etc.);

• other expenses aimed at adapting/improving the working environment for socially vulnerable employees (purchase of personal protective equipment; improvements to lighting and heating in work areas; arrangement of rest rooms; installation of air conditioners or air purification systems; procurement of comfortable furniture for a more ergonomic workspace, etc.).

- familiarize yourself with the recommendations for completing the grant application;
- complete the grant application (online form);
- download and complete the financial plan and attach it to the grant application;
- Read the recommendations on developing a business model, planning income and expenses, managing finances, market analysis, marketing, risk management, and obtaining grant support.
- Submit the completed application and financial plan by the grant application deadline of December 21, 2025.

Applications will be evaluated in two rounds.
The first round involves assessing the application for compliance with the project requirements and the enterprise categories, taking into account the stated priorities. Pre-selected candidates will be invited to the second round, during which representatives of the Czech humanitarian organization People in Need will conduct interviews with the candidates. The final decision on grant awards will be made by a specially established selection committee.

First-round evaluation criteria

The submitted information will be assessed based on the following criteria:

• presence of a completed application form;

• official registration of business activity;

• presence of prior business experience;

• compliance of the business location (relocated or local) with the program requirements;

• confirmation of employment of socially vulnerable workers (persons with disabilities; internally displaced persons; single mothers/fathers/guardians; persons of pre-retirement age (50+) or older (60+); representatives of ethnic minorities; veterans);

• the funding request corresponds to the project objectives (purchase or adaptation of specialized equipment for vulnerable workers; modification of premises to create a safe, inclusive, and dignified workspace; provision of technical or professional training for vulnerable workers and staff);

• confirmed understanding of the project’s time limitations (6 months);

• appropriate sector of business activity;

• openness to cooperation and accuracy of the information provided;

• no previous receipt of grant support from People in Need.

Second-round scoring criteria

Participants will be scored based on the following criteria:

• current employment of socially vulnerable workers, including those from the specified groups;

• relevance and feasibility of the business idea and a well-developed grant utilization plan aligned with the project objectives;

• analysis of the financial plan and cash flow (assessment of the applicant’s capacity for financial management, realism of expenses, appropriateness of the assets planned for procurement, and accuracy of calculations);

• presence of a business risk assessment (evaluation of the applicant’s analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats);

• strategy, methodology, and quality of the proposed promotional and marketing activities;

• evidence of positive community impact (assessment of how the business’s activities will contribute to local community development);

• confirmed intention to contribute own funds (at least 20% of the grant amount);

• loss of material assets due to military actions;

• businesses oriented toward providing social services (elderly care, support for persons with disabilities, educational programs, psychological assistance, services for children and youth, and other initiatives that improve quality of life and social well-being);

• potential for the proposed adaptations to have a long-term impact on inclusivity and productivity after the grant period;

• preference will be given to businesses that have not received grant support from other organizations or from the state within the past year.