Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation has announced grants for IDP businesses and other vulnerable groups. Participants can receive up to UAH 139,100 to start, restore, or expand a micro or small business. Applications are open until October 15, 2026, inclusive.
The “Return: Supporting Entrepreneurship – From Forced Displacement to New Opportunities” programme aims to support entrepreneurs who are starting, restoring, or expanding their own businesses. It is implemented by Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation with financial support from the Ministry of the Interior of the Czech Republic under the “Aid in Place” programme.
Who can apply?
The competition is open to:
- individual entrepreneurs (FOPs);
- people engaged in independent commercial activities but not registered as FOPs;
- people with practical experience in the relevant field who plan to start their own business.
The programme is primarily aimed at entrepreneurs who:
- have or have had IDP status since February 24, 2022;
- have returned to their permanent place of residence;
- have returned to Ukraine from abroad after February 24, 2022;
- belong to other vulnerable groups.
Particular attention will be paid to young people and women engaged in business.
Competition geography
Applicants who operate or plan to operate in Kharkivska, Cherkaska, Odeska, or Vinnytska oblasts are eligible to participate.
At the time of submitting the application, the applicant must not be located or operate in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
What types of businesses can receive support?
The programme covers a wide range of activities, including:
- construction and repair services;
- bakeries, confectioneries, and food establishments;
- small-scale farming;
- production of clothing, footwear, textiles, jewellery, cosmetics, and soap;
- vehicle repair and auto services;
- installation of alternative energy sources.
What is the grant amount?
The maximum grant amount is UAH 139,100 before taxation.
The grant can be used to purchase equipment, purchase consumables — up to 20% of the total budget — and pay for equipment setup or related consulting services.
The application form and business plan must be completed in Ukrainian. Additional documents must be uploaded to cloud storage with public access, and the link must be included in the application form.
An online Q&A session on the competition requirements will also take place on October 8 at 3:00 p.m. Kyiv time. Questions can be submitted by October 6 to grants.ukraine@helvetas.org. Additional questions after the session will be accepted until October 13 inclusive.
More details are available in the Grant Competition Guidelines.
This publication was made with the support of UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in Ukraine. The content of the publication is the sole responsibility of the Charitable Organization “Charity Foundation “Stabilization Support Services” and does not reflect the views of UNHCR.