Entrepreneurship in times of war: Kyiv hosts forum marking third anniversary of the Vlasna Sprava programme

Since its launch three years ago, the state programme Vlasna Sprava (Own Business) has provided over 28,000 microgrants to entrepreneurs for starting or expanding businesses, totalling more than UAH 7 billion. Additionally, over 2,000 grants have been awarded to veterans or their family members. The programme has created approximately 52,000 new jobs, with nearly UAH 9 billion in taxes and fees paid into budgets. These results were highlighted by Oleksii Sobolev, Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, at the Resilience Forum: Entrepreneurship in Times of War, dedicated to the anniversary of Vlasna Sprava.

The event, which brought together government officials, partners, business associations, and entrepreneurs, took place in Kyiv on 2 September 2025.

“Three years ago, we launched the Vlasna Sprava programme to provide Ukrainians with tools to develop their own businesses and strengthen the country’s economy. Over this period, thousands have established small enterprises in various sectors – from bakeries and cafés to furniture production and educational centres. The taxes they’ve paid have already exceeded the amount of state support, meaning every hryvnia invested by the state has been returned to budgets. This is the best proof of the programme’s effectiveness,” said Minister Oleksii Sobolev.

Participants discussed opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses, key challenges for entrepreneurs, and the state’s role in addressing them to foster economic growth and post-war recovery. Significant attention was given to further state support for businesses.

One panel discussion focused on creative industries. On 26 August, the Government expanded the Vlasna Sprava programme to include these sectors. Panellists explored targeted support programmes and the role of creative industries as an economic driver.

“Creative industries contribute over 3% of GDP – this is an economy of talent and ideas, generating the highest added value. By supporting them through the Vlasna Sprava programme, we’re investing in Ukraine’s culture and global influence,” said Tetiana Berezhna, Acting Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications.

Oleksii Sobolev outlined plans to expand and improve Vlasna Sprava. These include increasing the size of microgrants, allowing successful grant recipients to apply for additional funding, expanding the list of authorised banks participating in the programme, and enhancing support mechanisms to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses.

During the forum, memoranda of understanding were signed between the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture and the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine (PFRU) programme, as well as between the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications and PFRU.

“Supporting small businesses is key to the resilience of communities, especially in frontline and border regions. Since late 2023, the Partnership Fund for a Resilient Ukraine programme, funded by the governments of the United Kingdom, Estonia, Canada, Norway, Finland, Switzerland, and Sweden, has supported the development of Vlasna Sprava. A strong local economy is the foundation on which we, together with our partners, are building a resilient future for Ukraine,” Anna Onyshchenko, PFRU Team Lead.