Financial support for military personnel, veterans, and their families: how to obtain a grant and establish your own business

Who can apply for grants

Currently, the following individuals are eligible to apply for grants:

• war veterans;
• military personnel preparing for demobilization;
• military family members;
• veterans with disabilities (they often get special treatment).

Please pay attention to the conditions! Some programs are aimed at military personnel preparing to return to civilian life, as well as their family members. This is important because adaptation after the front line begins even before demobilization, and financial support can be the first step towards stability. Some grants are only for veterans. Sometimes grantors allow applications to be submitted while still in service, but only if there is a team ready to manage the case.

What you need to get a grant

Most programs have similar requirements:

• You must have the status of an individual entrepreneur or legal entity.
• Write a business plan (description of the idea, calculations, goals, expenses).
• Create jobs.
• Be prepared for co-financing (the grantor contributes part of the funds themselves).
• After receiving the grant, you must keep records and submit reports. Read more about grant reporting here. 

The most important components of a grant are the business plan and the application. Grantors want to see that you understand what you will be doing, who your customers are, and how you plan to make money. If you are unsure how to prepare the documents correctly, CeDePe specialists will help you:

• select relevant grant programs;
• prepare a package of documents;
• draw up a budget and project estimate;
• submit an application so that your project has a real chance of success. 

We also provide advice on the effective use of funds and reporting after receiving a grant, and provide financial accounting for your business.

Common barriers and how to overcome them

Even the best idea can be stopped before it is implemented. What can be obstacles?

1. Bureaucracy and technical details.
   Most often, problems arise at the application stage: you need to have an electronic signature, submit copies of documents, an extract from the Unified State Register, and correctly indicate the KVED codes. Due to one technical error, the system may not accept the application.
2. Insufficient financial literacy.
   Many Ukrainian citizens have no experience in financial planning, so it is difficult for them to prepare a business plan or justify expenses.
3. Lack of information about the programs.
   Most people learn about grants by chance: from friends or on social media. Information is often scattered or out of date. As a result, military personnel do not know which programs are still active and where to apply.
4. Psychological barrier.
   Military personnel often doubt that they will be able to meet all the requirements. It seems that only experienced entrepreneurs or those who already have a business receive grants. In fact, most programs are designed to give beginners a chance. The main thing is to have a realistic idea and the desire to act. And you can always get help from specialists with preparing documents and financial calculations.

To avoid these difficulties, it is worth using proven resources:

• the Diya portal and the eRobota program have clear step-by-step instructions;
• Employment centers help prepare documents;
• The Ukrainian Veterans Fund advises on the conditions of participation;
• CeDePe provides free assistance to military personnel with accounting issues, calculations, and business plan preparation.

Even if the process seems complicated, don’t give up. Properly prepared documents are half the battle.

Where to start today?

When you decide to start your own business, it is important not to get lost among all the advice and formalities. Start with a few simple steps that will help you move from idea to action.

1. Decide what you want to do after your service

• Start with your skills and experience. Write down 5-7 things you do best. For example: repairing equipment, cooking, woodworking, IT skills, logistics.
• Assess your resources. What start-up capital, space, equipment, or partners do you already have?
• Check the market. Ask your friends, check online ads, find out if there is a demand for the service/product in your city, who your competitors are, and what the prices are.
• Start with a pilot project. Don’t launch a full-scale business right away; test the idea in a mini-format: sell 10 portions, offer one service, or hold a trial master class.
• Assess the risks and ease of scaling. Can you expand your activities? How much labor/expenses will be required for the first month?

2. Prepare a short business plan

• A brief description of the idea: what exactly you will be doing.
• Target audience.
• Description of the product/service, unique selling point.
• Sources of income: direct sales, subscriptions, wholesale, etc.
• Financial calculation for the year: expected income, fixed and variable costs, break-even point.
• Grant utilization plan. What the funds will be used for: equipment, rent, advertising, salaries – with exact amounts.
• Number of jobs and creation deadlines.
• Risks and how to minimize them.

In addition to the application, attach estimates/commercial offers from suppliers (screenshots or PDFs with prices) to show the realism of the calculations.

3.  Submit your application and wait for an interview

When submitting, check all files again. Rejections are often due to incorrect file formats, missing signatures, or errors in details. Be prepared for requests for additional documents. Confirming estimates, licenses, or letters of support from partners are often requested.

During the interview, answer simply and to the point, demonstrate the realism of your calculations and your willingness to comply with reporting requirements. Prepare 3-4 basic answers in advance: why you need the money, how you will create jobs, how you will report.

Grants for military personnel and their families, information support — all this is to help you build your own business. If you have an idea, you just need to get started. Find a unique offer, try to apply, and don’t be afraid to ask for advice. Step by step, you will not only build your business, but also your confidence that everything will work out.