Estonia offers grants up to $5,000: who among Ukrainians can receive assistance.

The Estonian Refugee Council in Ukraine (ERC Ukraine) is opening the application process for financial assistance for residents of five regions affected by Russian aggression. This initiative is implemented through a program supporting citizens by creating or expanding businesses.

The aim of the 'Sustainable Initiatives for Self-Employment 'RISE' program is to support the creation or expansion of micro-businesses to ensure a stable income for the population.

Residents of the Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Poltava, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kharkiv regions will be able to participate in the program. Among the opportunities provided by the program are business training, mentoring support, and business grants for the most promising business plans.

What are the program conditions and how to apply

To participate in the program, one must have Ukrainian citizenship, be registered as an individual entrepreneur, have a business in one of the regions, be outside the liquidation/ bankruptcy process, not have tax debts, and meet other conditions.

Applications are accepted until August 13, 2025, through a special online form.

Previously, other financial support was provided for internally displaced persons with disabilities and for farmers within the framework of agricultural support in Ukraine.