Ukrainian Government Launches New Grant Support Program for Creative Entrepreneurs
Today, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine made a significant decision to introduce a specialized program called “Own Business,” aimed at invigorating and supporting the development of small and medium enterprises within the cultural and creative industries.
Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko announced this via her Telegram channel, emphasizing that this initiative opens new opportunities for entrepreneurs operating in the fields of cinema, theater, music, design, and digital media.According to the new conditions of the program, freelancers and sole proprietors (FOP) can apply for grants up to 100,000 hryvnias to start or expand their activities.
Notably, support is provided for companies that create new jobs: one new position can be financed with up to 200,000 hryvnias.
For creating two jobs with co-financing at a ratio of 70/30, businesses can receive up to 500,000 hryvnias, and for four jobs plus equipment, the grant can reach 1 million hryvnias.The program covers a wide range of sectors, including cinema and video, theaters, museums, architecture, design, media production, photography, game and software development, PR and advertising, as well as individual artistic activities.
This allows many Ukrainian creatives to access vital financial support for their projects.Sviridenko also highlighted that “Own Business” remains one of the most effective government initiatives to support small and medium-sized enterprises.
Over the past three years, more than 28,000 Ukrainians have received grants for starting or growing their own businesses, including over 2,000 participants of the combatant war effort.
Additionally, the government is working on expanding support for frontline regions through a dedicated program covering 238 communities in ten oblasts, affecting more than six million citizens, among whom approximately 3.7 million belong to vulnerable groups.