Kyiv, 18 March 2025 — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ukraine, with the support of the Government of Japan, has become a partner of the "Trajectory 2" educational grant programme. This programme aims to help veterans, service members, and their families start or develop their own businesses, especially in the context of the country's post-war recovery. 

According to the Ukrainian Veteran Fund, 30% of veterans cannot find work. Surveys among current service members indicate that 33% need help with employment, 28% are looking for information about veteran support programmes, and 27% are seeking educational and retraining services. 

To promote entrepreneurial activity among veterans, service members, and their families, the "Trajectory 2" programme provides comprehensive support by combining training, practical tools, and financial assistance. 

The two-month training course covers four key areas: entrepreneurship basics, financial management, digitalization, and marketing. Over 10 leading experts will share their experiences, providing not only theoretical knowledge but also practical advice on launching and scaling businesses. Additionally, participants will receive individual support in developing business plans. 

The training will conclude with a final event, Grand Pitch Day, during which 10 participants with the highest scores in the ranking table will compete for major prizes: UAH 1 million approx. USD 24,000) in the "Business Beginner" category and UAH 2 million (approx. USD 48,000) in the "Experienced Entrepreneur" category. In total, 68 participants with the best business plans will receive financial support in various categories. 

Registration for participation in the educational grant programme is open until 23 March 2025, and is available at this link. 

Mykhailo Fedorov, Vice Prime Minister for Innovation, Education, Science, and Technology Development — Minister of Digital Transformation, noted the success of the first phase of the initiative. "The Ministry of Digital Transformation team is systematically launching projects that help Ukrainians realize their ideas and develop or scale their businesses,” he said. “One of these is the 'Trajectory' educational grant programme. This programme provides veterans, military personnel, or their spouses with the knowledge, expertise, and funding needed to develop their entrepreneurship. In the first season, 50 finalists received funding for their own businesses. Together with our partners, we’re launching a second season to ensure as many Ukrainians as possible have the opportunity to implement their ideas and develop their potential.”

Jaco Cilliers, UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine, emphasized the significance of initiatives like "Trajectory 2" in fostering economic resilience and reintegration for veterans. 

“According to the recent damage and needs assessment, the employment and retraining of veterans remain priority tasks,” Cilliers said. “Empowering veterans and their families through entrepreneurship is a crucial step in Ukraine’s recovery. Thanks to the support of the Government of Japan and in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Transformation, UNDP continues efforts to lay a solid foundation for economic recovery and a more sustainable future.”

Background:

The educational grant program "Trajectory 2" is implemented by the network of business support centers Diia.Business 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 multi-market network. 

Media inquiries: 

Yuliia Samus, Head of Communications at UNDP in Ukraine, yuliia.samus@undp.org