Request for Applications: Digital Solutions Program (Ukraine)

The FPSU Digital Solutions Program provides grants of UAH 1,200,000–2,500,000 to strengthen the digital resilience of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in frontline regions of Ukraine. The initiative supports cybersecurity, secure software adoption, cloud storage, data management, and business continuity, helping MSMEs maintain operations amid ongoing disruptions caused by Russian aggression.

Overview

The FPSU Digital Solutions Program aims to enhance the operational resilience of MSMEs in frontline Ukrainian regions. By improving digital capacity, cybersecurity, and infrastructure preparedness, the program helps local businesses continue operating under challenging conditions caused by conflict and infrastructure disruptions.

Objectives

• Strengthen MSME resilience through digital tools and secure software adoption

• Promote data management, cloud storage, and backup solutions

• Implement basic cybersecurity protocols to protect sensitive information

• Enable MSMEs to maintain business continuity during crises

• Provide training and technical assistance to improve organizational capacity and stability

Funding Details

• Grant amounts range from UAH 1,200,000 to UAH 2,500,000 depending on project scope and budget justification

• Funding covers training programs, technical assistance, and implementation support

• Grants aim to enhance the digital resilience and operational stability of MSMEs in targeted regions

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must be:

• Organizations officially registered under Ukrainian law as public business support organizations or non-governmental non-profits

• Able to demonstrate qualified staff in project management, financial reporting, and organizational governance

• Compliant with internal controls, asset protection, and fraud prevention

• Adhering to a Health, Welfare, and Human Rights Policy

• Ready to comply with ethical and business conduct standards, including the Chemonics Supplier Code of Conduct

• Prepared for due diligence and Visual Compliance screening

Consortium Applications

• Allowed if all partners meet eligibility criteria

• One organization must serve as lead applicant, responsible for implementation, reporting, and communication with FPSU

Ineligible Applicants

• Organizations registered in temporarily occupied territories without re-registration in government-controlled areas

• Entities with misused donor funds in the past five years

• Organizations listed on international sanctions or prohibited lists

• Political parties, affiliated groups, religious organizations, or entities promoting anti-democratic or illegal activities

• Organizations registered in Russia, North Korea, or Iran

• Entities associated with individuals or organizations listed in the State Sanctions Register of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine

Scope of Activities

Supported activities may include:

• Digital capacity building: training MSMEs to use modern software and digital platforms

• Cybersecurity: implementing basic security measures to protect sensitive data

• Cloud infrastructure: configuring storage, backup, and secure remote access systems

• Data management: using tools to analyze, store, and safeguard business data

• Business continuity planning: preparing MSMEs to maintain operations during infrastructure disruptions

How to Apply

1. Confirm Eligibility: Ensure your organization meets Ukrainian registration and compliance requirements

2. Define Project Scope: Identify MSMEs and regions to target, including training and digital solutions

3. Prepare Proposal: Include objectives, activities, timelines, and detailed budget

4. Consortium Planning (if applicable): Designate a lead applicant and define partner roles

5. Submit Application: Provide evidence of qualified staff, governance structures, and compliance readiness

6. Screening: Complete due diligence and Visual Compliance verification

Why This Program Matters

• Strengthens operational resilience of MSMEs in frontline regions

• Promotes digital transformation and secure software adoption

• Reduces risk from cybersecurity threats and infrastructure disruptions

• Supports continuity of local businesses vital to economic recovery and community stability

Tips for Applicants

• Demonstrate a clear plan for digital and cybersecurity capacity building

• Include a comprehensive budget aligned with training and technical assistance goals

• Highlight experience in MSME support and crisis management

• Ensure governance and internal control systems are clearly described

• Address ethical and compliance standards, including Visual Compliance and FPSU requirements

FAQs

1. What is the funding range for this program?
UAH 1,200,000–2,500,000 per project, depending on scope and budget justification.

2. Who is eligible to apply?
Registered Ukrainian public business support organizations or non-governmental non-profits; consortium applications allowed.

3. Are organizations in occupied territories eligible?
Only if re-registered in government-controlled areas.

4. Can political or religious organizations apply?
No, these organizations are explicitly ineligible.

5. What types of activities are supported?
Digital training, secure software adoption, cloud and data management, cybersecurity, and business continuity planning.

6. What compliance requirements exist?
Organizations must follow ethical standards, governance best practices, and complete Visual Compliance screening.

7. Can consortium applications be submitted?
Yes, but all partners must meet eligibility requirements, and one organization must serve as the lead applicant.

Conclusion

The FPSU Digital Solutions Program provides critical support to MSMEs in Ukraine’s frontline regions, helping them adapt to digital tools, improve cybersecurity, and maintain operations during conflict. By combining grants with technical assistance, the program strengthens economic resilience, organizational capacity, and community stability under challenging conditions.