Deadline: 25-Jun-2026
The Training Programme for MSMEs on Business Innovation and Access to Finance is a structured capacity-building initiative designed to support Ukrainian micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). It aims to help businesses develop financing-ready business plans, improve innovation capacity, and strengthen access to domestic and international funding opportunities, including EU and global markets.
Programme Purpose and Core Objectives
The programme is focused on strengthening MSME competitiveness by improving innovation capabilities and financial readiness.
Key objectives include:
- Improving MSME access to finance and investment opportunities
- Supporting development of financing-ready business plans
- Strengthening business innovation and productivity
- Enhancing financial modelling and bankability skills
- Supporting export readiness and international market expansion
- Promoting digital transformation and AI-driven business processes
- Facilitating access to EU, Japan, and global markets
- Strengthening supply chains and cross-border trade capacity
Target Beneficiaries
The programme directly supports Ukrainian MSMEs.
Eligible participants include:
- Micro enterprises
- Small enterprises
- Medium-sized enterprises
Core focus:
- Businesses seeking funding, investment, or grants
- MSMEs aiming to scale operations or enter new markets
- Enterprises pursuing digital transformation or export growth
Programme Structure and Delivery Model
The programme is implemented through a structured training, mentoring, and facilitation system.
Key components include:
- Online training and coaching sessions
- Mentorship and individualized business support
- Facilitation for funding applications and investor engagement
- Development of financing-ready business documentation
Total coverage:
- 100 MSMEs from Ukraine
Implementation timeline:
- Final business plans and financing readiness expected by December 2026
Training Programme Structure
The training component is divided into three core modules, each delivered through webinars and practical learning sessions.
Module 1: Innovation and Productivity Development
Focus areas:
- Artificial intelligence applications for business operations
- Market intelligence and customer support systems
- Business process automation and digital transformation
- Supply chain optimization
- Financial and operational process automation
- KPI monitoring and performance management
- Workplace inclusion and productivity improvement
Outcome:
- Enhanced innovation capability and operational efficiency
Module 2: Access to Finance and Investment Readiness
Focus areas:
- Financial readiness assessment
- Investment storytelling and business case development
- Financial modelling and unit economics
- Preparation of investor-grade business plans
- Identification of financing instruments (grants, loans, equity, blended finance)
- Funding application preparation and submission
- Negotiation with investors and financial institutions
- Post-funding compliance systems
Outcome:
- Strong bankability and investment readiness
Module 3: Market Expansion and International Growth
Focus areas:
- EU market entry requirements and compliance
- Export readiness and certification standards
- Japan market opportunities and trade expansion
- Cross-border logistics and supply chain management
- Pricing strategies for international markets
- Public procurement participation
- B2B matchmaking and vendor readiness
- E-commerce platform integration
- International payment systems and cross-border transactions
- Inclusive product and service development
Outcome:
- Improved global market access and export capacity
Mentoring and Post-Training Support
After completing training, MSMEs receive hands-on advisory support.
Key support mechanisms:
- One-on-one mentoring for business plan development
- Co-creation of financing applications (credit, grants, investment)
- Guidance on donor and financial institution requirements
- Support in application submission and follow-up processes
- Assistance in negotiations with funders and investors
Final goal:
- Successful mobilization of external financing
Expected Outcomes
The programme is designed to generate measurable business transformation outcomes.
Expected results include:
- Increased number of financing-ready MSMEs
- Improved access to credit, grants, and investment capital
- Stronger business planning and financial modelling capacity
- Enhanced digital transformation and AI adoption
- Increased export readiness and EU market integration
- Improved participation in global value chains
Eligible Implementing Organizations
The programme is delivered by qualified business support entities.
Eligible organizations include:
- Business support organizations (BSOs)
- Business membership organizations (BMOs)
- Development institutions
Eligibility requirements:
- Minimum 3 years of legal registration
- Proven experience in delivering business training or advisory programmes
- Demonstrated track record of managing large-scale training initiatives
- Capacity to support multiple MSMEs effectively
Implementation Approach
The programme follows a structured capacity development model:
- Step 1: Selection of implementing organization
- Step 2: Design of training and mentoring programme
- Step 3: Delivery of three-module online training series
- Step 4: Mentorship and individualized business support
- Step 5: Development of financing-ready business plans
- Step 6: Facilitation of funding applications and negotiations
- Step 7: Finalization of financing outcomes
Key Focus Concepts
Business bankability:
- The ability of a business to attract financing based on financial strength and credibility
Investment readiness:
- Preparedness of a business to engage with investors and secure funding
Blended finance:
- Combination of grants, loans, and private investment for business growth
Digital transformation:
- Integration of digital tools and AI to improve business processes
Export readiness:
- Capability of a business to meet international market standards and requirements
Why This Programme Matters
This initiative strengthens Ukraine’s MSME ecosystem by:
- Improving access to finance in challenging economic conditions
- Supporting recovery and resilience of small businesses
- Encouraging innovation and digital transformation
- Expanding export and international market opportunities
- Strengthening financial literacy and investment capacity
- Building sustainable business growth pathways
It directly supports economic recovery and private sector development.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Programme design mistakes:
- Lack of structured financial modelling training
- Weak integration of AI and digital transformation components
- Insufficient focus on export readiness and market access
Implementation mistakes:
- Poor mentoring follow-up after training sessions
- Lack of practical application in business plan development
- Inadequate tailoring for different MSME sizes
Eligibility mistakes:
- Organizations with less than 3 years of experience
- Weak track record in delivering business training programmes
Tips for a Strong Proposal (for Implementers)
Strong applications typically include:
- Clear methodology for training, mentoring, and facilitation
- Proven experience in MSME capacity building
- Strong financial and investment readiness framework
- Integration of AI, digital tools, and export support
Best practices:
- Demonstrate measurable impact on MSME financing outcomes
- Include strong mentoring and post-training support structure
- Show experience with donor-funded or large-scale programmes
- Provide clear monitoring and evaluation framework
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is the programme for?
- Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Ukraine.
What is the main goal?
- To improve access to finance and strengthen business innovation capacity.
How many MSMEs will be supported?
- 100 MSMEs.
What is included in the training?
- Innovation, finance, and international market expansion modules.
Is mentoring included?
- Yes, individualized mentoring is a core component.
What is the final outcome expected?
- Financing-ready business plans and successful funding applications.
Who can implement the programme?
- Business support organizations, membership bodies, and development institutions with relevant experience.
Conclusion
The Training Programme for MSMEs on Business Innovation and Access to Finance is a comprehensive capacity-building initiative designed to strengthen Ukrainian small and medium enterprises. By combining structured training, mentoring, and financial facilitation, it enables businesses to become investment-ready, improve innovation capacity, and expand into international markets, ultimately supporting long-term economic resilience and growth.
For more information, visit UNDP.
