UAH 19 million in micro-grant support provided to IDPs and other vulnerable groups by the Ukrainian Red Cross
Since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, thousands of people have been forced to relocate to other regions, closing or shutting down their businesses. Some lost their jobs and had plans to start a business but lacked the funds to implement them. Others had their businesses destroyed by shelling, leaving them unable to rebuild.
In 2024, the Ukrainian Red Cross launched the “Reboot: Expanding Employment Opportunities” programme, which focuses on supporting micro-entrepreneurship initiatives among vulnerable groups. Last year, hundreds of residents from the Vinnytsia, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Cherkasy, and Ternopil regions applied for the programme. A total of 184 participants successfully completed all stages, presented their business ideas, and received microgrants of UAH 100,000 each, which enabled them to restore or develop their own businesses.
“This year, the Reboot programme will continue to support selected micro-entrepreneurship initiatives, helping vulnerable groups of the population to start or revitalise their businesses. The support includes microgrants, business skills development, and access to business networks and labour markets,” said Maksym Dotsenko, Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross.
A construction company, a travel agency, a beauty salon, a coffee shop, a natural sweets manufacturer, and even a honey farm are just a few examples of the businesses that our microgrant winners are currently developing!
It is worth noting that another round of microgrants is planned for this year. Applications will be evaluated based on specific criteria. The programme is open to registered internally displaced persons who can carry out business activities within their community and local residents affected by the war, including veterans, their families, and those who have lost their jobs or businesses. It is also open to able-bodied individuals aged 18 to 65 from vulnerable groups.
The Reboot programme is supported by international partners, including the Spanish Red Cross, the Danish Red Cross, and the Swiss Red Cross.
You learn more about the programme here.
For detailed information on participation, you can also contact the Ukrainian Red Cross hotline by selecting option 4: 0 800 332 656 (available daily from 09:00 to 18:00).