In 2025, the Reboot: Expanding Employment Opportunities programme, implemented by the Ukrainian Red Cross, provided grant support to 535 participants
In 2025, the Reboot: Expanding Employment Opportunities programme awarded microgrants to 535 individuals launching or developing their own micro-enterprises. The largest number of grants supported initiatives in manufacturing, repair services and workshops, food businesses, and the beauty sector.
Microgrant support is one of the key components of the Reboot programme. It provides financial assistance to people from vulnerable groups to help them turn their business ideas into reality. The strongest applications receive funding to purchase equipment, tools, materials and other resources essential to launching or sustaining their businesses.
Over the past year, participants from ten regions of Ukraine received microgrants to develop their micro-enterprises, with the highest number awarded in Mykolaiv, Cherkasy, Poltava, Lviv and Vinnytsia regions. Most grants supported manufacturing, service provision and repair initiatives (114 grants), as well as beauty salons and hairdressing services.
A significant proportion also went to small food businesses (such as cafés and mini-bakeries) and various production activities, including small-scale cheese production and beekeeping.
Grant funding was primarily used to purchase essential equipment required to launch or maintain operations — ranging from sewing and welding machines to bakery equipment, agricultural tools, beekeeping supplies and greenhouse equipment. The total value of financial assistance amounted to UAH 65,805,000.
For many participants, this support provided an opportunity to rebuild their resilience despite the challenging circumstances they faced. Among them were parents starting a business while caring for a young child and with only a few thousand hryvnias to their name, as well as individuals who had spent years building their businesses and were forced to start again from scratch. Their stories clearly demonstrate the impact such support can have.
Olena Biero, who relocated from Donetsk to Hostomel and established her own pottery business, shared:
“Participation in the programme enabled me to equip my workshop with everything necessary to produce ceramic goods. It felt like spreading my wings and finally taking flight.”
Mykhailo, who moved from Nova Kakhovka to Vinnytsia region, said:
“Thanks to the programme, I was able to continue the craft I have devoted 20 years to — artistic metal forging. I purchased the welding equipment and materials I needed. I gained not only tools, but renewed strength — I have even started writing poetry.”
The Reboot programme not only helps people build their own businesses, but also strengthens communities by encouraging enterprises that are truly needed by local residents. The next round of the microgrant component is scheduled to launch in March 2026.
