On October 20, 2026, the Veterans Development Centre of LTSNU hosted an information and consultation meeting attended by veterans, university students, and representatives of public organizations, including the Charitable Foundation “Honour and Conscience,” the Lubny branch of the NGO “Veteran Corps,” and the NGO “Warriors of Ukraine’s Russian Invasion.”

The main topics of the meeting included veterans’ civilian reintegration, economic independence, the development of entrepreneurial initiatives, and opportunities for government support to start or expand a business.

The meeting was organized jointly with the Lubny branch of the Poltava Regional Employment Centre, enabling participants to receive up-to-date information directly from specialists responsible for implementing government programmes supporting entrepreneurship.

Particular attention was paid to the updated “Own Business 2.0” grant programme. Inna Tiutiunnyk, a consultant at the “Made in Ukraine” office, explained the opportunities offered by the programme and provided practical advice on starting and developing a business, preparing a business plan, submitting an application, and completing the selection process.

Participants learned that grant funding can be used both to launch a new business and to expand an existing one. The programme provides financial support of up to UAH 2.5 million, with the amount depending on the type of project, the conditions of its implementation, and compliance with the programme’s requirements.

The meeting also covered eligibility requirements, the main criteria for applicants, and programme restrictions. Ukrainian citizens, individual entrepreneurs, and legal entities that meet the established criteria may apply for grant support.

Inna Tiutiunnyk also explained in detail how grant funds may be used. Eligible expenses include the purchase of equipment and production assets, financial leasing, rental of premises and land, software, technical setup, intellectual property protection, advertising, website development, and business-process automation.

The participants were also introduced to the application process. To receive a grant, applicants must prepare an application and business plan and submit them through the Diia portal, undergo a business reputation assessment and an online interview, after which the relevant authorities make a decision on project funding.

Veterans actively participated in the discussion and asked numerous practical questions about funding requirements, business-plan preparation, job creation, eligible expenses, project implementation timelines, and opportunities to expand existing businesses. The lively discussion demonstrated considerable interest in entrepreneurship as a pathway to professional fulfilment and economic independence after returning to civilian life.

Particular attention was paid to promising areas for starting a business. The programme identifies several priority sectors, including manufacturing, energy, transport and logistics, construction and reconstruction, the agricultural sector, information technology and digital products, education, and other socially important areas.

For the Veterans Development Centre of LTSNU, such meetings are an important part of its systematic work to support veterans and facilitate their successful integration into civilian life. Returning from military service requires not only social and psychological support but also practical tools for professional development, financial independence, and the implementation of personal ideas and initiatives.

Entrepreneurship can become more than just a source of income for veterans. It can provide a new opportunity for self-realization, enable them to create jobs, contribute to the development of local communities, and strengthen the country’s economy. That is why cooperation among the university, employment services, public organizations, and the veteran community is particularly important: it transforms information about government opportunities into practical knowledge, solutions, and new prospects.

The Veterans Development Centre of LTSNU will continue to serve as an open space for support, learning, partnership, and new opportunities for those who defended Ukraine and are now helping to build its future in civilian life.

Marketing Department, LTSNU