Deadline: 08-Mar-2026
Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation is launching a grant competition to support entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals from vulnerable categories in selected regions of Ukraine. The programme helps beneficiaries start, resume, or expand business activities through financial assistance for equipment and operational strengthening.
The initiative is implemented under the project “Resilience: Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Labor Market in Ukraine,” funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) with support from Sweden.
Maximum Grant Amount
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Up to 135,200 UAH
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Amount includes:
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18% Personal Income Tax
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5% Military levy
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One grant per applicant
Eligible Regions
The competition is open exclusively to entrepreneurs operating in:
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Kharkiv region
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Poltava region
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Sumy region
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Dnipropetrovsk region
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Chernihiv region
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Kyiv region (excluding the city of Kyiv)
Applicants must be conducting business activities in these areas.
Priority Beneficiaries
Preference will be given to:
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Veterans and their family members
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Internally displaced persons (IDPs)
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Individuals who returned to their permanent residence after IDP status
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Persons with disabilities
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Family members of deceased servicemen
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Women-led businesses
The programme prioritizes inclusive economic recovery and support for vulnerable populations.
Supported Business Sectors
The grant supports a wide range of entrepreneurial activities, including:
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Construction and repair services
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Bread and bakery production
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Food and beverage services
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Small-scale farming
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Clothing and textile production
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Costume jewelry and cosmetics production
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Manufacturing enterprises (10+ employees)
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Vehicle maintenance and repair
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Cleaning and laundry services
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Hairdressing and beauty services
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Retail trade
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Passenger and cargo transportation
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Translation services
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Physical education, health, and sports services
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Veterinary and animal services
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IT and telecommunications
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Photo and video services
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Tourism services
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Educational services
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Arts and culture
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Other eligible entrepreneurial activities
What the Grant Covers
Funds may be used for:
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Equipment procurement
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Purchase of consumables (up to 15–20% of total budget)
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Payment for equipment configuration
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Consulting services related to equipment setup
The grant is primarily focused on strengthening operational capacity rather than covering general running costs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply?
Entrepreneurs and self-employed individuals operating in the specified regions of Ukraine, particularly those from vulnerable categories.
2. Can I apply if I operate in Kyiv city?
No. The city of Kyiv is excluded from this competition.
3. What is the maximum grant amount?
Up to 135,200 UAH, inclusive of taxes and military levy.
4. Can I apply for more than one grant?
No. Each applicant may receive only one grant under this competition.
5. What expenses are eligible?
Equipment purchases, limited consumables (15–20%), and configuration or consulting services related to equipment.
6. Are women-led businesses eligible?
Yes. Women-led businesses are given preference.
7. What is the broader goal of the programme?
To strengthen inclusive entrepreneurship and promote economic recovery in targeted regions of Ukraine.
Conclusion
The Helvetas Grant Competition provides targeted financial support to vulnerable entrepreneurs in key Ukrainian regions. By offering up to 135,200 UAH for equipment and operational strengthening, the initiative supports business resilience, job creation, and inclusive economic recovery.
Through funding from Sida and support from Sweden, this programme contributes to rebuilding local economies and empowering veterans, IDPs, women entrepreneurs, and other vulnerable groups.
Entrepreneurs operating in eligible regions who are seeking to expand, resume, or modernize their businesses should consider applying for this impactful opportunity.
For more information, visit Public Space.
