Business Development Fund Presented Business Support Results and Announced a New Phase of the Program for the Kryvyi Rih District

The Business Development Fund (BDF) participated in the conference “Kryvyi Rih 250: A Regional Growth Hub Amid Ukraine’s Recovery”, dedicated to shaping the Kryvyi Rih district into a powerful center of economic development. The event brought together representatives of government, business, international organizations, and donors to discuss investment opportunities, expand partnerships, and implement innovative solutions aimed at strengthening the region’s economic resilience.

During the conference, BDF leadership presented the Fund’s updated status and announced its transformation into the National Development Institution effective January 1, 2026. The updated status will expand the institution’s functional capabilities and enable the launch of additional support programs for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

During the panel discussion, the results of the first cycle of the MSME Support Program in the Kryvyi Rih district, implemented by the BDF, were summarized. Throughout the program, local entrepreneurs received 200 grants totaling €2.7 million, which contributed to strengthening local entrepreneurship and creating new economic opportunities. These investments enabled the creation of nearly 300 new jobs.

The Fund also announced the launch of the second program cycle, scheduled to begin in February–March 2026. Support mechanisms will vary depending on the type of enterprise:

• Micro-enterprises – will receive non-repayable grants.
• Small and medium enterprises – will be eligible for grants conditional upon a co-financing contribution of 20% and 30%, respectively.

Priority will be given to veterans and their families, women entrepreneurs, and internally displaced persons.

A separate component of the program will be its third direction – support for individuals who have a business idea and intend to start their own business but are not yet registered as entrepreneurs. Participants will be able to undergo training and receive consultations on developing a business plan. Upon successful completion of training, they will have the opportunity to apply for a start-up grant.

Information on the launch of the grant program and detailed participation requirements will be published on the official website of the Business Development Fund.