UAH 20 million for veterans' business development: join the second season of the ‘Trajectory’ educational and grant program

The ‘Trajectory’ educational and grant program has launched its second season, aimed to support the entrepreneurial initiatives of veterans and military families. Over the course of two months, participants will engage in educational modules covering marketing, digitalisation, and business fundamentals. Based on the training outcomes, entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to attract funding for their business development.

The ‘Trajectory 2’ educational and grant program is implemented by the network of the Diia.Business entrepreneur consultancy centres with the support of the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office, with financial assistance from the Government of Japan and UNDP in Ukraine, Mastercard, UKRSIBBANK BNP Paribas Group, and the Aurora multimarket chain.

“The Ministry of Digital Transformation team is systematically launching projects that help Ukrainians realize their ideas and develop or scale their businesses. One such project is the ‘Trajectory’ educational and grant program. This initiative provides veterans, military personnel, or their spouses with the necessary knowledge, expertise, and funding to grow their businesses. In the first season of the accelerator, 50 finalists received UAH 100,000 each for their own businesses. Together with our partners, we are launching the second season to ensure as many Ukrainians as possible have the opportunity to implement their ideas and unlock their potential,” remarked Mykhailo Fedorov, Vice Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, Science and Technology Development — Minister of Digital Transformation.

The program is open to:

•  veterans;
•  family members of veterans, military personnel, fallen soldiers, prisoners of war, or those missing in action, including spouses, parents, and children (including adopted children), and siblings. 

“At the Ministry of Digital Transformation, we are actively working on the digital transformation of businesses, encouraging the introduction of new digital services alongside educational and grant programs for entrepreneurs. The second season of the ‘Trajectory’ educational and grant program aims to help veterans and military families’ members gain the knowledge needed to turn their entrepreneurial ideas into reality. Participants will learn how to implement innovative digital technologies to scale their businesses and receive intensive training and mentoring support. Research shows that 64% of veterans and military personnel plan to start their own businesses. Our goal is to support them in this endeavour and create conditions for the growth of small and medium-sized businesses in Ukraine,” said Valeriya Ionan, Deputy Minister of Digital Transformation for European Integration.

The program offers two learning formats:

• General Lecture Series — an online training program that provides a comprehensive educational program. All registered participants will have access to the training. Entrepreneurs can also submit their business plans for mentor review and compete for financial support.
• Intensive Lecture Series will be held offline at 11 Diia.Business entrepreneur support centres with an additional virtual boot camp. A total of 230 entrepreneurs will be selected to compete for financial support.

When filling out the application form, participants must indicate which category they wish to join: “Beginner in Business” or “Experienced Entrepreneur”.

“At Mastercard, we believe that supporting veterans in developing their own business is an important step toward their reintegration into civilian life; it offers them an opportunity to find a new path in entrepreneurship or scale their existing business. Therefore, our support for veteran entrepreneurs through grants and educational programs is a strategic investment in the growth of the Ukrainian economy. By implementing such vital initiatives in collaboration with our partners, we are helping to create an environment that fosters entrepreneurial culture and builds a barrier-free society where everyone can realise their potential,” stated Inga Andreieva, General Manager, Mastercard in Ukraine and Moldova.

Based on the results of the Intensive Lecture Series, 44 participants from the ‘Beginner in Business’ category will each receive UAH 200,000, and 20 participants from the ‘Experienced Entrepreneur’ category will each receive UAH 400,000 to implement their ideas. Additionally, two business projects from the online lecture series will receive UAH 100,000 each for business development. 

“Every defender, every veteran, is our pride. At UKRSIBBANK BNP Paribas Group, we appreciate your contribution to protecting Ukraine. That’s why we’ve created the platform ‘We’re proud.’ It’s our expression of respect, support, and recognition for your dedication and bravery. Each defender is special to us, a premium client. We have also established special conditions for the professional growth of demobilised veterans within our team and offer dedicated support to veteran-owned businesses. We believe in your potential and are ready to help you reach new heights: develop professionally, plan, and realise your business ideas through our grants. Ukraine is a place for plans. Together, we are building the future”, said Andriy Kashperuk, Deputy Chairman of the Board and Director of Retail Business at UKRSIBBANK BNP Paribas Group.

At the final event, Grand Pitch Day, 10 participants with the highest scores will compete for the main additional rewards: UAH 1 million in the ‘Beginner in Business’ category and UAH 2 million in the ‘Experienced Entrepreneur’ category. 

Furthermore, upon completing the program, 68 winners will have the opportunity to attend up to three free individual sessions with project mentors.

“We are delighted that the ‘Trajectory’ educational and grant program has got off to such a successful start and inspired many veterans and their families to start their businesses. Today, more than ever, it is crucial to support those who have defended our country and help them build a new future. That is why we are launching ‘Trajectory 2’ to continue this mission, providing not only financial support but also the knowledge and resources needed to bring business ideas to life, laying the foundation for the growth of Ukrainian economy. Together, we are creating new opportunities and helping veterans find their own trajectory of success,” stated Taras Panasenko, co-owner of the Aurora multimarket chain.

As part of the program, entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to attend lectures by more than 10 leading business development experts and get an analysis of the psychology behind their business. The participants will also receive special offers from Vchasno, the technical partner.  

“Veterans and service members should be given opportunities to reintegrate into civilian life and realise their potential through entrepreneurship. Thanks to the support of the Government of Japan and in cooperation with the Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine, we are working to create and strengthen businesses founded by veterans and their families. Through the ‘Trajectory 2’ program, we are helping veterans and military families start and expand their businesses by providing them with the essential tools and resources needed to successfully integrate into Ukraine's dynamic economic environment. These efforts not only support their personal and professional development but also significantly contribute to the recovery of Ukraine's economy, laying a solid foundation for a resilient and sustainable future,” said Jaco Cilliers, Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine.

To learn more about the project and apply for the Program, click here. 

The application deadline is March 23, 2025 (11:59 PM).

In December 2024, the first season of the ‘Trajectory’ educational and grant program won the Economic Development nomination at the Partnership for Sustainability Award 2024. This international award is presented annually for the best projects implemented through collaborations between business, government, and civil society to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and support Ukraine during the war.