For most veterans returning to entrepreneurship, the issue is not about supporting a "startup from scratch," but rather financing specific assets. This refers to purchasing special machinery, equipment, or expanding an existing business. This specific need was voiced by Maxim Kuzmenko, Head of the Veterans Programs Department at Globus Bank and a veteran of the 47th Marine Brigade "Magura," in a comment to RBC-Ukraine.

According to a study by the Ukrainian Veterans Fund, more than 63% of servicemembers plan to run their own business after demobilization, and 11% already have one. At the same time, about 35% expect to attract investments. However, real market needs differ from abstract support schemes.

Market reality: from grants to loans

Today, the veteran business sector has two main needs: targeted financing for the purchase of equipment, vehicles, or real estate, and replenishing working capital for companies that owners are restoring or expanding upon returning from the front.

Existing grant programs, such as "eRabota," help to start a business, but the allocated amounts (from 250,000 to 1 million UAH) often do not cover real business needs. Moreover, demand for such funds significantly exceeds supply.

In Kuzmenko's opinion, the next step should be a further reduction in the cost of credit. An optimal benchmark for veteran small and medium-sized businesses could be an effective rate of around 3% per annum, implemented with the participation of international financial institutions.

Banking barriers and the need for adaptation

An important aspect is adapting banking rules to the realities of war. In particular, banks should provide preferential loans to enterprises where a veteran is a co-owner of at least 25% or is the head. During service, the business is often managed by partners or wives, but currently, there is a formal requirement for 100% ownership by the veteran.

Currently, there are benefits for veteran businesses within the framework of state programs "Accessible Loans 5-7-9%" and "Accessible Financial Leasing 5-7-9%". Some banks may compensate part of the interest rate (up to 2 percentage points) at their own expense. Also, in Ukraine, the mechanism of "veteran bonds" is in effect, through which private investors and large businesses lend to veterans at preferential rates of 15%.

How to prepare for financing: expert advice

Opening your own business requires careful preparation even before submitting a financing application. Maxim Kuzmenko advises starting with free training, analyzing customer demand, and consulting with specialized veteran organizations that provide legal and mentoring support.

To minimize risks at the start, the expert recommends adhering to the following rules:

  • Settle legal issues: clearly define the form of the enterprise, the taxation system, and distribute responsibility between co-owners.
  • Approach the bank in advance: come for a consultation at the planning stage, not at the moment of acute need for funds, and carefully calculate the total cost of the loan.
  • Do not overburden the business with debt: choose a moderate scale at the start, be sure to form a financial reserve for several months, and separate personal and corporate funds.

"Veterans do not need indulgence or 'condescending pity'. They need honest rules, understandable tools, and support without unnecessary bureaucracy," – summarizes Maxim Kuzmenko.