Expansion of the Own Business program: more opportunities for veterans and families of fallen defenders from 2026

The government has announced a large-scale expansion of the state small business support program “Own Business”, which will cover an even wider range of veterans and their family members from next year. From January 1, 2026, grants will be available not only to combatants and their immediate relatives, but also to parents, adult children and families of fallen defenders. The amount of funding for these categories will be up to UAH 1 million, provided that new jobs are created.

According to the Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko, such an expansion is a logical step in the development of the state policy of supporting veterans, as it will allow covering those families who suffered the most from the war. The program aims not only to stimulate entrepreneurship, but also to increase the number of jobs in communities.

During 2024, the “Own Business” program has already demonstrated a significant effect. According to official data, 1,442 veterans and their family members received grants totaling UAH 694.1 million. The implementation of these business projects made it possible to create 2,802 new jobs, which is one of the highest figures during the existence of the program.

Success stories among the initiative participants deserve special attention. One such example was the activities of an entrepreneur from the Kyiv region, Oleksiy Bunda. From the first days of the full-scale invasion, he voluntarily went to the front, after which he returned to developing his own business - the Woodentoys educational toy store.

In 2024, Oleksiy received a veteran grant of UAH 500,000. This funding allowed him to open an offline store, expand the team by hiring two sellers, and also increase the range of products by adding decorative goods and stationery. According to Svyrydenko, the story of Bunda demonstrates how state support can become a real tool for the restoration and development of small businesses.

It is expected that with the expansion of the program in 2026, even more veterans and families of the deceased will be able to start their own businesses, strengthening the country's economy and enhancing the development of local communities.