In Ukraine, veteran-owned businesses are growing thanks to government grants. In the last three months, 300 veterans have used the "Own Business" program, and overall, 1,500 veterans and their families have benefited from it.
One such example comes from Odesa, where veteran Serhiy Nekachaylo used a grant to build greenhouses and start a farming business. After demobilization, Serhiy and his wife decided to switch to agriculture. They applied for the grant, and after attending training and refining their business plan, they were approved.
With 500,000 UAH in grant funding, they built greenhouses on 12 acres and bought a tractor. They have even incorporated an innovative heating system into their operation, using car tires to fuel a pyrolysis boiler. This eco-friendly solution allows them to efficiently heat the greenhouses and ensure optimal conditions for crop growth. They grow radishes, tomatoes, and cucumbers, selling them at local markets. The business has shown positive results, and Serhiy plans to expand his greenhouse operations.
Vadym Vdovenko, a resident of Uman, began his agricultural journey after demobilizing from the army in 2023. He always had a passion for plants, and with the support of the government program "Own Business," he received a grant of 500,000 UAH to establish a greenhouse. Starting with a small 3x4 meter structure, Vadym's greenhouse has now expanded to 350 square meters. In this space, he grows a variety of vegetables, including peppers, melons, watermelons, and sweet corn. Vadym's greenhouse is equipped with a drip irrigation system and mulching film to optimize the growing conditions, and he maintains an ideal temperature for the crops. In addition to vegetables, Vadym also cultivates decorative plants and flowers, envisioning them adorning the streets of his hometown.
Source: podrobnosti.ua / suspilne.media