In Ukraine, women accounted for 78% of the net increase in individual entrepreneurs (FOP) in the first half of 2026. The full‑scale war, mobilisation and population displacement have changed the structure of small business and strengthened the role of women in entrepreneurship.
Growth in the number of women entrepreneurs and new registrations
Women open about 60% of new individual entrepreneurs (FOP) and make up 55% of new clients in the micro, small and medium‑sized business segment in 2026 — that is more than 10 thousand entrepreneurs. Many of them are restarting relocated businesses or launching new ventures from scratch, creating jobs in their communities.
The needs of women entrepreneurs were the focus of a presentation of the initiative “Zhinocha sprava” (“Women’s Business”), held on 20 October 2026 in Kyiv. The programme is expected to cover about 5,000 women and provides financial, grant and educational support.
Financing: loans, grants and state programmes
One of the main problems for women‑led businesses remains access to loans: banks require a down payment, a credit history and collateral, which novice women entrepreneurs and owners of relocated enterprises do not always have. Grants help to start a business or purchase equipment, but they do not cover all the needs for scaling.
International partners offer grant support, including compensation of up to 50% of the loan amount under the BLOOM programme from Prosper Global. Financing is also available for startups and franchising projects up to 5 million UAH and through the state programme “Dostupni kredyty 5−7-9%” (“Affordable Loans 5−7-9%”).
Examples of combining financing instruments
Liudmyla Hdychynska from the Cherkasy region used a state grant to modernise production at the family “Ferma KroliKoff” and create jobs. A preferential loan helped to finance the construction of a solar power station for the enterprise’s needs.
The founder of the PROSVITA lyceum in Brovary, Olesia Taran, combined her own funds, state support and an investment loan. This made it possible to transform educational courses into a full‑fledged institution for students in grades 9–11 with a safe shelter.
Skills, training and employment
Besides financing, women entrepreneurs need knowledge in financial planning, accounting and legal issues. Partner programmes provide consultations, training and mentoring, as well as grants of up to 8 thousand euros and assistance with financial, tax and legal matters.
A separate strand is professional retraining. Under the programme “Vid navchannia do pratsevlashtuvannia” (“From training to employment”), women can acquire skills in transport, logistics and construction free of charge, and those who find employment in the new profession receive a payment of 180 euros.
Reminder
From 4 December 2026 the conditions for enterprises to operate during a yellow air alarm change: after a transition period, to continue operating businesses must ensure appropriate protection for employees and visitors. A yellow level indicates a threat of drone attack.
From 27 October, when registering a limited liability company (LLC) or changing its legal address, it is necessary to confirm the right to the premises at the specified address in accordance with law № 5020-IX. The state registrar will check information in the State Register of Property Rights, and for leased premises without notarised certification an original contract or its notarised copy must be provided.
