Veteran-owned businesses in Ukraine: Where to get money to start a company
Veterans can start a coffee shop, a repair shop, a farm or a small manufacturing business after their service with the help of state grants and business support programs. In 2026, grants of up to 1.5 million hryvnias are available for veteran entrepreneurship, along with preferential loans and training. Each program, however, has its own requirements for applicants, business plans and use of funds. Frontliner examined which options are available to veterans and what is needed to secure funding.
Veterans can receive funds to start a business, buy equipment or expand an existing company. The state program Vlasna Sprava (“Own Business”), competitions run by the Ukrainian Veterans Fund and preferential lending are available for this purpose. Some programs require creating jobs, while others look for entrepreneurial experience or the applicant’s status. The results of the Ukrainian Veterans Fund competitions show how actively veterans are using these opportunities.
The Ukrainian Veterans Fund has released the results of its VARTO competitions. Since 2022, 1,018 winners have been selected, including 949 veteran-owned businesses and 69 civic organizations. Total planned funding has exceeded 1.225 billion hryvnias. According to the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, the supported projects have created 2,760 jobs. These figures show the scale of the programs, though they do not indicate how many of the businesses remain profitable.
Low-interest loans: When a grant is not enough
The 5-7-9% program
Veteran-owned businesses can apply for state 5-7-9% loans on the same terms as other small and midsize businesses. The program can finance equipment purchases, production upgrades and other designated needs. For micro and small businesses, investment loan rates include 5% or 7% a year, depending on whether job-creation conditions are met.
A participating bank reviews each application, assessing the company’s finances, credit history, business plan and ability to repay. Detailed terms, including restrictions by type of activity and maximum amounts, are published on the state portal Made in Ukraine.
Loans for frontline businesses
Special terms apply to businesses in areas of high war risk. Under the 5-7-9% program, the rate can be 1% a year for the first five years and 5% afterward. Eligibility depends on the location, the type of activity and whether the business meets the established requirements.
A separate track covers businesses whose property was damaged by Russian shelling. For reconstruction, the program offers a rate of 0.1% for the first two years, after which other preferential rates apply. The Ministry of Economy announced the launch of this mechanism in June 2026.
Training and consulting: How to prepare for starting a business
Business schools for veterans
Training programs cover financial planning, marketing, sales and management. For example, the Business School for Veterans at the Diia.Business center in Bucha offers practical modules, work with established entrepreneurs and help preparing a business project. It is aimed at veterans in the Kyiv region.
In 2026, training is also being offered with Ukrainian Catholic University, Universe Group and partner veterans’ organizations. Such programs can combine classes with mentoring and competitive funding. Admission terms and enrollment deadlines should be confirmed separately.
Official status for veteran-owned businesses
Since May 2026, entrepreneurs can obtain veteran business status through Diia. It applies to veterans who are sole proprietors and to companies that meet the veteran-ownership requirements. As of Sept. 2, 2026, 1,656 businesses had been added to the register.
The status is needed to take part in some specialized programs. For example, the VARTO: A Step Forward competition was open to officially registered veteran-owned businesses.
How a veteran can prepare for support
- Define the need. Calculate startup costs, monthly payments, expected income and the number of employees required.
- Choose funding. To start a business, look at Vlasna Sprava grants; to scale up, consider VARTO competitions and 5-7-9% loans.
- Confirm eligibility. Check the requirements for veteran status, sole proprietor registration, co-financing and job creation.
- Prepare a business plan. Describe the product, customers, competitors, costs and sales forecast. The figures must match the amount requested.
- Check deadlines. Grant competitions have submission windows. Apply only through the program’s official portal.
- Understand the obligations. Before signing an agreement, find out what the money may be spent on, how to report and when funds would have to be repaid.
Veteran-owned businesses have several real sources of funding. The most accessible starting point is the state grant program on Diia. For entrepreneurs with a ready project, the Ukrainian Veterans Fund competitions open further options. Loans and training help a business grow when it needs equipment, working capital or entrepreneurial skills. The right choice depends on the business’s readiness, the applicant’s finances and the terms of the specific round.
