10 Ways to Secure Business Grants for Your Startup

When your dream of owning a business transitions into active planning, a crucial question arises: where can you find the funds to develop your venture? Fortunately, we live in an era of vast opportunities. You just need to know where to look for the necessary resources and believe in your endeavors. Here, we’ve compiled a list of Ukrainian and international funds that provide monetary grants for launching and growing your business.

Ukrainian Funds

1. eRobota

The eRobota government program helps you start your own business or expand an existing one. It offers grants for veteran businesses, horticulture, greenhouse farming, recycling enterprises, and more.

Grant Amount: From 50,000 to 8,000,000 UAH.
How to Apply: Fill out an online application on the Diia portal, attach a business plan, and provide an electronic signature or a private entrepreneur key. Offline assistance is available at Oschadbank branches.

2. Women’s Opportunities

This fund supports women who run their own businesses and contribute to the country’s economy. It provides grants for business development, educational programs, and humanitarian projects. The fund promotes equality, female leadership, and mutual aid.

Grant Amount: Up to 150,000 UAH.
How to Apply: Monitor current competitions in the relevant section on the fund’s website. To apply, click the “Submit Application” button on the chosen project’s page.

3. Ukrainian Startup Fund (USF)

The Ukrainian Startup Fund focuses on innovative projects that shape the technological future and promote Ukrainian innovations worldwide. Funded startups include the 12Climb mobile app, the “Bees Against Mines” mine detection system, the 3DLOOK virtual fitting room, and others.

Grant Amount: From 25,000 to 50,000 USD.
How to Apply: Register on the USF web portal. Below is a video with step-by-step instructions for applying for grant support.

4. Ukrainian Cultural Fund

Grants from the Ukrainian Cultural Fund are more about implementing creative initiatives than commercial business. However, a successful artistic project can also be profitable. The fund supports creative industries with an emphasis on public benefit. Current grants include those for artists with disabilities, creating art products on war themes, and projects promoting small towns.

Grant Amount: From 300,000 to 3,000,000 UAH.
How to Apply: Prepare the necessary documents before applying for the grant. The Ukrainian Cultural Fund website provides detailed information on how to apply for the selected program.

5. Business Support Competition

This competition supports businesses in small towns and villages in Ukraine. The project provides micro-grants through the “MHP-Community” charity fund. Participants include startups with fresh business ideas, existing entrepreneurs looking to scale, and veterans and their families.

Grant Amount: Up to 100,000 UAH.
How to Apply: Fill out the application form and provide a certificate after completing the testing. More details about the procedure can be found on the project’s website.

Foreign Funds

6. Seier Capital

This Danish investment fund, founded by multimillionaire Lars Christensen, supports blockchain startups and pays special attention to the Ukrainian business environment. Grants and investment funds are provided to companies operating or planning to integrate into the Concordium ecosystem.

Grant Amount: From 5,000 to 50,000 EUR.
How to Apply: To start the process of obtaining a grant from Seier Capital, provide information about yourself and your project on the fund’s website.

7. EIC Accelerator

This program, operated by the European Innovation Council, funds startups related to advanced technologies. To receive a grant, the project must have significant potential in the innovation market.

Grant Amount: From 500,000 to 2,500,000 EUR.
How to Apply: Participation requires a detailed project description and a comprehensive business plan. More about the application process can be found in the relevant guide.

8. House of Europe

This platform, initiated by the EU, helps creative businesses grow. Programs include grants for Ukrainian publishers, visual artists, theater and film professionals, choreographers, scientists, journalists, and other representatives of the creative industries.

Grant Amount: Up to 3,000,000 EUR.
How to Apply: Monitor current competitions in the opportunities catalog on the House of Europe website. Each program page has an “Apply” button and all the important information about participation.

9. SME Fund

This fund compensates for expenses related to intellectual property protection. The program is designed for small and medium-sized businesses aiming to integrate into the global market. A grant from the SME Fund is an excellent opportunity to preserve your brand’s identity when entering the international arena.

Grant Amount: Up to 3,500 EUR.
How to Apply: The application process starts with creating an account and a company profile on the relevant SME Fund page.

10. European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

The EBRD provides financial support and expertise to businesses in various sectors. The bank focuses on projects that promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

Grant Amount: Varies depending on the project.
How to Apply: Visit the EBRD website for detailed information on the application process and eligibility criteria.