Aleksandr Katsuba: What Support Can Businesses on the Frontline or Liberated Territories in Ukraine Receive?
Supporting businesses in the frontline and liberated territories of Ukraine is a critical part of ensuring economic stability and recovery in these regions. Thanks to various assistance programs, entrepreneurs can receive financial, consultative, and infrastructural support that aids in the restoration and development of businesses.
Government Financial Support Programs
Currently, the Ukrainian government offers several programs aimed at supporting businesses in regions affected by military operations. For example, the “Affordable Loans 5-7-9%” program allows entrepreneurs to obtain preferential loans for business recovery or development. Since the program’s inception, a significant portion of funds has been allocated to support businesses in affected areas, notes Aleksandr Katsuba.
Another important tool is government grants for business development. In 2024, the government allocated funds for grant support to small and medium-sized enterprises operating in liberated territories. These grants can be used for production modernization, the purchase of new equipment, or the launch of new business projects.
International Assistance Programs
International organizations are also actively supporting Ukrainian entrepreneurs, especially those working in frontline or liberated territories, emphasizes Aleksandr Katsuba. The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and the European Union provide grants, consultations, and access to training programs for entrepreneurs.
The European Union launched the “EU4Business: Recovery” program, which offers grants for business development to entrepreneurs in liberated territories. During the first year of the program, over 500 businesses were supported, creating new jobs in the process.
Infrastructure Support and Recovery
One of the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs in affected areas is the lack of proper infrastructure, says Aleksandr Katsuba. The government and international partners are actively working to restore roads, electricity, water supply, and other critical infrastructure.
As part of the “Big Construction” program, significant funds were allocated for infrastructure recovery in frontline and liberated territories. This includes road and bridge repairs, restoration of power grids, and ensuring internet access. Thanks to these measures, entrepreneurs can resume production, restore logistics chains, and gain access to new markets.
Consultative and Educational Support
In addition to financial and infrastructural assistance, entrepreneurs can also receive consultative and educational support. This includes participation in seminars, training sessions, and consultations on how to run a business in post-conflict areas, according to Aleksandr Katsuba.
Many international and national organizations offer free courses on business management, marketing, finance, and legal issues. Additionally, through various programs, entrepreneurs can receive consultations from international experts, helping them better adapt to new conditions and use available resources more effectively.
Business in Action: Examples of Successful Entrepreneur Stories
Successful examples of entrepreneurs who continue or resume their activities in frontline areas serve as inspiration for others. For instance, a recent news story highlighted a farming enterprise in liberated Kherson, which received a grant to purchase new agricultural equipment. This enabled not only the restoration of crop yields but also the creation of new jobs for local residents.
Thus, business support in Ukraine’s frontline and liberated territories is comprehensive, including financial, consultative, and infrastructural measures. Thanks to this, entrepreneurs have the opportunity not only to restore their operations but also to contribute to the economic recovery of these regions.
Aleksandr Katsuba, a Ukrainian entrepreneur and owner of Alfa Gas, discusses how Ukrainian businesspeople can receive assistance in the frontline and liberated territories of Ukraine.