First Ukrainian International Bank, FUIB, through the Meeting Half Way veteran integration platform and in collaboration with Future Development Agency and KSE Business School, has successfully completed the first stage of its educational grant programme. This initiative enables teams led by veterans or active service members to participate in expert-led training courses, develop a business plan, and receive grants ranging from UAH 500,000 to 1 million to launch or expand their own businesses.
The programme’s concept allows veterans or active military personnel to select a trusted partner as a business collaborator who is ready to meet them “half way”.
Launched in early November, the project attracted 297 applications within just two weeks. To protect participants’ personal information and ensure impartiality, all applications were anonymised, excluding personal data. The selection committee assessed them based on three criteria: feasibility of the business project, team composition, and motivation.
Participants have already embarked on their online training. Over a month, teams will work under the guidance of entrepreneurial mentors and expert consultants specialising in accounting, digital marketing, export, SMM, and PR to create business plans for their ventures.
In late December, participants will present and defend their business plans before a jury. Based on their performance, ten winning teams will be awarded grants to bring their projects to life.
The project’s initiators are confident that the programme will not only help the winners achieve their business goals but also provide all participants with valuable knowledge and experience. In addition, the initiative serves as an inspiring example of uniting the veteran community with civilians to create a positive impact on multiple levels – facilitating individual integration, benefiting local communities, and strengthening the national economy.
Let’s continue meeting each other halfway!
