From January 1, 2022, the poor will be able to receive financial assistance from the state to start their own business under the “Helping Hand” program of the Ministry of Social Policy
It is reported website of the ministry.
Interest-free financial assistance in the amount of up to 15 minimum salaries is offered (at the beginning of 2022 – UAH 97,500). It can only be used to pay bills for the purchase of business equipment and materials. The aid must be returned within three years.
The returned amount is reduced by the amount of taxes paid for three years and the single social contribution. If the entrepreneur employs two more people on the referral from the employment center, there is no need to return the aid to the state.
About UAH 100 million is provided for the implementation of this program in the state budget approved for 2022.
To receive financial assistance, you should apply to the employment center at your place of residence. It is necessary to provide a certificate on the absence of criminal liability, convictions and a business plan for future business.
The pilot project of this program was first implemented by the Ministry of Social Policy in 2016-2019 with the support of the World Bank as part of the project “Modernization of the Social Support System of the Population of Ukraine”.
At that time, more than 230 participants of the pilot project received help from the state to open their own business, of which more than 90% are working successfully.
