Supporting Ukraine’s green recovery and just transition through SMEs

Micro-, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) make up a large majority of businesses in Ukraine. At the moment, they face several challenges that put their survival at risk. This has a significant impact on the country’s economy as a whole, given that SMEs are responsible for over 63% of employment in Ukraine. 

Coal regions, such as Volyn and Lviv oblasts, face increased uncertainty due to the transition from coal and plant closures. Therefore, providing access to direct financial support, training and upskilling is crucial so the necessary changes to limit global warming do not negatively impact local employees. 

On the other hand, the Russian war of aggression has had immediate and longer-term consequences on human health, ecosystems, and the economy. It also created setbacks in terms of Ukraine’s green transformation and the country’s plans to align itself with green economy principles. Supporting local businesses would be highly beneficial in meeting the challenges faced by SMEs in the regions and would give them much-needed financial relief.

In order to support the SMEs, the objectives of the project are to: 

• lay the groundwork for a more inclusive, resilient, and environmentally conscious Ukrainian economy;
• ensure that existing small and medium enterprises in Lviv and Volyn regions can maintain their operations and create resilient businesses;
• empower potential entrepreneurs in formalizing their business ideas and transforming them into commercial and marketable products;
• build capacities and knowledge base for business support organizations to adapt to structural changes and provide long-term, sustainable support for businesses