The SME Resilience Alliance, established during the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2024 in Berlin, brings together the resources of international partners to support small and medium-sized businesses amid the war and recovery. In August, Ukrainian entrepreneurs have access to new opportunities: grants, research and digital solutions.

Grants for high-potential startups from the EBRD (Star Venture programme)

The EBRD invites high-growth-potential startups to join the 24-month Star Venture programme. It provides entrepreneurs with access to a global network of mentors, advisers, investors and corporate partners; tailored business diagnostics and targeted consulting projects; online and offline mentoring sessions; opportunities for international expansion and financing; as well as contacts with senior executives of leading companies and industry leaders. In Ukraine, the programme is funded by the Government of Switzerland through the Small Business Impact Fund.

More details: https://www.ebrd.com/starventure

Deadline: 15 August 2025

Apply: form

Relocation grants for SMEs from the EBRD

The EBRD’s relocation grants support the movement of SMEs from the most affected regions to safer areas of Ukraine. Grants of up to €30,000 reimburse documented expenses — from transporting equipment, raw materials and finished products to packing, dismantling and installation, repair and calibration of equipment, one month’s rent of premises, engineering and construction works, as well as purchase or leasing of equipment. Priority is given to manufacturing companies; support is also available at the relocation planning stage (subject to documented expenses). The programme is implemented by the EBRD with support from the Governments of Switzerland and the United States through the Small Business Impact Fund.

Deadline: 30 September 2025

Apply: form

Research on the state of SMEs in wartime from the EBRD

The annual study “SMEs During Wartime: Trends, Challenges and Needs” analyses changes in the state of SMEs after three years of full-scale war, compares results with previous years, and identifies key challenges and new opportunities. The research is a valuable tool for entrepreneurs, donors and stakeholders, helping to better understand business needs and shape effective support policies.
Implemented by Socioinform; supported by the Government of Switzerland (SBIF) and the EU (Women in Business).

Results: MEREZHA
(An English version of the presentation is available upon request)

Loans and investment incentives for business from PrivatBank and the EBRD

In July 2025, PrivatBank and the EBRD signed a €600 million agreement to expand financing for Ukrainian companies. The programme covers SMEs, medium-plus companies and vulnerable groups (women, youth, veterans, IDPs), providing loans and investment incentives for development. EBRD guarantees help reduce collateral requirements, support relocated and frontline businesses, integrate companies into European supply chains and invest in energy-efficient technologies.

Applications can be submitted via the PrivatBank website, in the Privat24 for Business app, or at bank branches.

Digital solutions for SMEs from BDO in Ukraine and Microsoft

BDO in Ukraine, in partnership with Microsoft, presented an integrated solution based on Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM and AI Copilot. It enables SMEs to centralise data management, automate routine tasks, improve the effectiveness of marketing and sales, enhance customer service and strengthen cybersecurity. Recent activities include a webinar for businesses in Dnipropetrovsk region. If needed, BDO organises short (up to 2 hours) individual or group sessions on request in any region; to book a session, simply fill out the contact form on BDO’s website.

Support measures for businesses in frontline regions from BDO in Ukraine and the EBA

BDO in Ukraine, together with the European Business Association, held a roundtable on supporting businesses in frontline regions facing infrastructure damage, security risks and workforce losses. Proposed measures include tax relief, risk-compensation mechanisms, preferential lending, logistics support and the creation of special economic zones. The White Paper “Proposals on Supporting Business in Frontline Regions” is available for review (please contact via the contact form).

Grants for SMEs under the Ukraine Economic Resilience Program from Mercy Corps

The Ukraine Economic Resilience Program (ERP) from Mercy Corps is implemented in Kyiv city, Kyiv, Sumy, Kharkiv and Dnipropetrovsk regions. It supports war-affected micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, helping them restore operations and overcome the consequences of the war. Within one of the programme’s directions, grants averaging $20,000 are provided for the purchase of fixed production assets — equipment, tools, machinery or other resources needed to restore and grow the business. Apply here.

Grants for the agricultural sector under the Ukraine Agricultural Support Program from Mercy Corps

The Ukraine Agricultural Support Program (UASP) from Mercy Corps aims to restore and develop the agricultural sector in Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kherson and Chernihiv regions. For agri-service companies, support is also available in Cherkasy, Odesa and Kyiv regions. Participants can receive grants of $75,000 for small farming enterprises or $150,000 for medium-sized farmers and businesses providing services in the agricultural sector. The programme additionally offers free initial legal, accounting and grant consultations, while in-depth individual consultations are provided on a cost-sharing basis, including grant search. Apply here.

Background

The SME Resilience Alliance was established at URC-2024 in Berlin and is co-chaired by the Ministry of Economy of Ukraine and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The Alliance brings together 77 states and organisations that pool financing, expertise and training programmes to support Ukrainian SMEs on their path to recovery and growth.The SME Resilience Alliance, established during the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2024 in Berlin, brings together the resources of international partners to support small and medium-sized businesses amid the war and recovery. In August, Ukrainian entrepreneurs have access to new opportunities: grants, research and digital solutions.