IDPs, veterans, as well as local residents of the Kharkiv region (except for the Lozov and Bogodukhiv districts) who are registered and live in areas where hostilities were or are ongoing (in accordance with Order No. 376 of February 28, 2025), territories controlled by the government of Ukraine (except for territories with active hostilities or high risk to life and business) have the opportunity to receive financial assistance to restore microbusinesses lost due to the war, or to start their own business.
Support is provided to expand income-generating opportunities within the second phase of implementation BLOOM Programs: «Building Livelihoods and Opportunities to Optimize Markets», which is implemented by the NGO "Employment Center of Free People" with the support of an international organization Mercy Corps. During the first year of the Program, 305 participants from 8 target regions of Ukraine were supported, which contributed to the development of household financial capacity and strengthened communities.
The amount of financial assistance can range from 1,000 to 3,000 USD in hryvnia equivalent at the NBU exchange rate for self-employed individuals; from 1,000 to 5,000 USD for registered sole proprietors. The final amount will depend on the type of business, financial needs and capabilities of the specific project participant. The funds can be used to cover the costs of purchasing equipment or other materials, goods necessary for running one's own business.
Representatives of households living in the Kharkiv region (except for Lozov and Bogodukhov districts) and planning to increase their income through their own business or microbusiness can participate in this project and receive appropriate direct financial assistance in non-agricultural areas.
To participate in the project, you need to register and fill out an application (select direction 1. Individual financial assistance to support microbusiness initiatives) via the link bloom.mercycorps.org
Applications for financial assistance will be accepted in several waves, the deadline for the first wave is submissions by July 10, 2026.
Program participants:
• internally displaced persons (IDPs) registered after 2022;
• veterans with documentary confirmation of status;
• local residents* and representatives of communities (ethnic and LGBTQI+) who are registered and live in the regions where the program is implemented.
*Persons registered in the territories where hostilities are (were) being conducted, the list of which was approved by the Ministry of Community and Territorial Development of Ukraine by order No. 376 dated February 28, 2025, and residing in the territory controlled by the Government of Ukraine.
The selection criteria are social vulnerability and economic viability of the business.
Social vulnerability of the household:
- Someone in your household has a disability and/or needs constant care;
- You are a single mother or father;
- You are raising a child who has been left without parental care;
- There are three or more minor children in your household;
- The household includes members of the LGBTQI+ community or ethnic minorities;
- One of the household members has chronic diseases that require constant treatment;
- There is a pregnant woman and/or a child under the age of three in the household;
- You are 60 years old or older;
- The total income of all household members is lower than the minimum wage in Ukraine (8,647 UAH as of 01.01.2026) per person per month.
Economic viability of the business;
- Having a clear business plan;
- Realistic financial calculations;
- Understanding the target market and potential customer flow;
- Potential for sustainable business operations and increased household income.
Stages of participation in the project:
- filling out an online questionnaire,
- passing an online interview,
- online or offline visit to the participant's place of business activity,
- participation in the selection committee,
- receiving help,
- undergoing monitoring.
This project is implemented by the NGO "Free People's Employment Center" with financial support from the UK government through UK aid within the framework of the BLOOM Program. The program is implemented by the BLOOM consortium, which includes Mercy Corps, Swisscontact and the Right to Protection (R2P).
Contact information
Program hotline phone number: 095-988-38-94
Oksana Yakunina, project communications manager [email protected]
