According to a survey conducted by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, more than 2,000 veterans in Ukraine are currently registered as business entities.
Deputy Minister for Veterans Affairs of Ukraine on European Integration Oleksiy Illiashenko announced this during his participation in summing up the work of the Association of ATO Veteran Entrepreneurs for 2021.
In early October this year, the Association together with the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ukraine, the International Charitable Foundation “Come Back Alive”, law firms Miller and UniMinds, consulting company Nota Group initiated a series of educational seminars for veteran entrepreneurs. They were taught the peculiarities of finding and attracting investment, the legal component of business and its protection, service in companies and more.
On Wednesday, December 22, the final seminar of the first cycle and the final meeting with the participation of all partners took place.
“Today we have gathered here in a circle of like-minded people. And we are very proud to work together in the interests of the Defenders of Ukraine. Modern veterans are mostly young people aged 20-40. They are the most active members of society, and according to the research by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs and International Organizations, almost a third (35%) out of them are interested in launching their own business. And more than 2,000 veterans are already registered as business entities,” Oleksiy Illiashenko highlighted.
The Deputy Minister noted that in order to create favorable conditions for stimulating the start and development of veteran entrepreneurship, enhance its competitiveness through effective reintegration of veterans into civilian life, the Ministry of Veterans Affairs had initiated the development of a draft Strategy for Entrepreneurship Initiatives among War Veterans until 2030.
“An appropriate working group has already been set up and a draft order of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has been prepared for approval of the Strategy, which is being agreed upon. It is currently being discussed with representatives of the civil society,” he emphasized.
Moreover, Oleksiy Illiashenko said that the VA Ministry had developed the G2VEI online platform to support veteran business initiatives and in the context of barrier-free environment. It will provide information on veterans' business, manufactured goods and services, as well as national, regional and international programs to support small and medium enterprises. The platform is currently being filled with up-to-date information.
The Deputy Minister also reminded that the Ministry of Veterans Affairs together with the “Come Back Alive” Foundation had developed a trade brand “Created/Made by Defenders” with a view to promoting veterans' products, making veterans' business visible and recognizable.
“Currently, we are working with our partners, who will be able to distribute the products made by the Defenders in stores and shopping malls. We will do our best to ensure that the Defenders of Ukraine, family members and survivors, who are also cared for by the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, have the opportunity to start and develop their business,” highlighted the Deputy Minister.
