Internally displaced people and residents of Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast from territories where hostilities took or are taking place can apply for financial support of up to USD 2,600 for their own venture. The money goes towards self-employment and small business development: equipment, tools, launching or reviving a business.

This was announced by the civic organisation Free People Employment Centre, which runs the programme together with Mercy Corps.

The programme is run by the NGO Employment Centre of Free People together with Mercy Corps, funded by Switzerland through SDC. The numbers speak for themselves: since 2023 it has supported 343 microbusinesses across Ukraine and delivered over 500 individual visits and consultations.

Selection is competitive: preference goes to realistic business ideas and financially vulnerable applicants. Participants are not left alone with the paperwork — support runs from application through business growth.

Applications are accepted online; consultations are available via the hotline +38 097 460 10 48. If you have long been shelving the idea of your own workshop, café or service — this is the moment to take it off the shelf.