From today entrepreneurs can apply for the Government’s energy support package

To partially offset costs and continue operating under challenging energy conditions, small and medium-sized businesses operating in socially important sectors – pharmacies, shops, bakeries, cafés, workshops and other essential services – can now submit applications for state support. This was announced by Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko.

“Energy assistance for sole proprietors is a rapid anti-crisis measure for small businesses. Sole proprietors in groups 2–3 who employ at least one paid worker can receive a one-off non-repayable financial grant ranging from UAH 7,500 to UAH 15,000, depending on the number of employees,” said the Head of Government.

The funds may be used for:

• purchase or repair of generators and other energy equipment;
• batteries, inverters, charging stations, solar panels and components;
• fuel for generators;
• payment of electricity for autonomous operation during power outages.

The programme operates on the same principles as the Vlasna Sprava (Own Business) grants. Applications can be submitted online via the Diia portal – under the “Entrepreneurship” category, on the page for the service “Assistance for sole proprietors on energy resilience”: https://diia.gov.ua/services/dopomoha-fop-na-enerhostiikist (in Ukrainian).

Data is verified automatically, and funds are credited to the Diia.Card through five banks participating in the programme: PrivatBank, Sense Bank, Credit Dnipro Bank, A-Bank and monobank.

In addition, zero-interest energy loans are available for energy equipment.

“Micro-, small and medium-sized businesses can obtain up to UAH 10 million in preferential lending at 0% per annum under the Affordable Loans at 5-7-9 programme. The state compensates banks for the difference through the Business Development Fund,” Yulia Svyrydenko reported. “The loan is provided for up to 3 years. Funds can be directed towards generating equipment – cogeneration units, diesel, petrol and gas generators.”

To obtain the loan, businesses must meet the criteria of the Affordable Loans at 5-7-9 programme, submit an application to a partner bank, undergo assessment and receive a positive decision from the bank. Applications have already begun at 17 partner banks, with additional banks set to join the programme in the near future. Overall, lending will be available through 43 banks across the country, and applications for energy loans will be processed on a priority basis.

This energy support will help businesses continue operating, preserve jobs and ensure that people in cities and communities have access to essential goods and services during prolonged power outages.

Detailed terms of the energy loans and the list of banks: https://energycredit.bdf.gov.ua (in Ukrainian).