Deadline: 09-Feb-2026
UNWFP and FAO, in partnership with Southern Development Strategy and funded by the Embassy of France in Ukraine, are offering micro-grants of up to $1,500 to support crop and livestock businesses in Zaporizhia. The program combines financial assistance, mandatory business training, and mentoring to help war-affected households restore, expand, or launch agricultural livelihoods.
Program Overview
The United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the NGO Southern Development Strategy (SDS), are implementing a micro-grant program to support small-scale agricultural businesses in Ukraine.
Funded by the Embassy of France in Ukraine, the initiative aims to strengthen food security, restore livelihoods, and promote economic resilience among war-affected households engaged in crop and livestock production.
The program provides a combined support package of financial grants, business education, and mentoring.
Geographic Focus and Target Communities
The project is implemented in the Zaporizhia region, specifically targeting the following communities:
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Petro-Mykhailivska community
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Shyrokivska community
Applicants must live and operate within these communities to be eligible.
Purpose and Key Objectives
The program is designed to help producer households:
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Restore agricultural activities disrupted by war
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Improve or expand existing crop and livestock businesses
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Start agricultural activities from scratch
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Strengthen income generation and household food security
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Build long-term business skills and resilience
Special priority is given to individuals whose livelihoods, property, or market access have been directly affected by the conflict.
What Support Does the Program Provide?
The micro-grant program offers a comprehensive support package that combines financial assistance with capacity building.
Financial Support
Selected applicants may receive:
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A micro-grant of up to $1,500
The grant can be used to start, restore, or improve a business related to crop or livestock production.
Business Education
All selected applicants must attend a mandatory two-day business school.
The training focuses on:
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Improving and refining business plans
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Developing entrepreneurial skills
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Optimizing business strategies
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Understanding basic market and production planning
All costs related to attending the business school are fully covered by the program.
Mentoring and Advisory Support
Participants will also receive mentoring support, including guidance on:
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Tax and accounting basics
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Logistics and supply planning
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Business operations and scheduling
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Sales strategies and market access
This mentoring aims to ensure sustainable use of the grant and long-term business success.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To qualify for the micro-grant program, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
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Be an individual entrepreneur or a household engaged in small-scale crop or livestock production
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Be involved in production and sales activities or planning to start such activities
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Live and operate within the Petro-Mykhailivska or Shyrokivska communities
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Be directly affected by the war, including displacement, loss of assets, or disrupted markets
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Commit to attending the mandatory two-day business school
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Have not participated in other FAO or WFP projects
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Have not received agricultural development grants from other organizations in the last six months
Who Is Not Eligible?
The program does not accept applications from:
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Individuals who received FAO or WFP agricultural support in the past six months
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Applicants who recently received agricultural development grants from other donors
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Businesses operating outside the designated target communities
How the Program Works
The implementation process follows a clear sequence.
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Eligible applicants submit their application for the micro-grant program
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Applications are reviewed based on eligibility, vulnerability, and business potential
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Selected applicants attend the mandatory two-day business school
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Participants refine their business plans during training
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Micro-grants of up to $1,500 are awarded
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Ongoing mentoring and advisory support is provided during implementation
Why This Program Matters
The war in Ukraine has significantly disrupted agricultural livelihoods, especially for small producers.
This initiative matters because it:
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Supports local food production and food security
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Helps war-affected households rebuild income sources
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Combines funding with practical business knowledge
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Reduces dependency on humanitarian aid
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Strengthens community-level economic recovery
By focusing on both financial and educational support, the program increases the chances of long-term sustainability.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid the following issues:
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Applying without meeting residency requirements
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Failing to commit to the mandatory business school
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Submitting applications despite recent participation in FAO, WFP, or similar grant programs
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Proposing non-agricultural business activities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the maximum grant amount available?
The program provides micro-grants of up to $1,500 per selected applicant.
Who is implementing this program?
The program is implemented by UNWFP and FAO in partnership with Southern Development Strategy, with funding from the Embassy of France in Ukraine.
Which types of businesses are eligible?
Only crop and livestock production businesses, including start-ups and expansions, are eligible.
Is business training mandatory?
Yes. Attendance at the two-day business school is mandatory for all selected applicants.
Are training-related costs covered?
Yes. All expenses related to attending the business school are covered by the program.
Can I apply if I received another agricultural grant recently?
No. Applicants who received agricultural development grants or participated in FAO or WFP projects in the last six months are not eligible.
Who is the program targeting?
The program targets war-affected households and small producers in the Petro-Mykhailivska and Shyrokivska communities.
Conclusion
The UNWFP–FAO micro-grant program offers a vital opportunity for war-affected households in Zaporizhia to rebuild and strengthen crop and livestock businesses.
By combining grants of up to $1,500 with business training and mentoring, the initiative supports sustainable livelihoods, local food production, and long-term economic recovery in conflict-affected communities.
For more information, visit Public Space.
