As part of the Social Impact Bonds project, five veterans from the Voznesensk community have received subgrants to launch or restart their own businesses. Alongside financial support, the participants have already taken part in an educational tour to the Prykarpattia region, where they developed their marketing skills and exchanged experiences with other entrepreneurs.
The grant selection process was carried out by the project partners. Behind each supported business idea is a personal story, professional experience, and a desire to build a new chapter after military service.
From Learning to Entrepreneurship
As part of the programme, the veterans have already taken part in an educational tour to the Prykarpattia region. The programme combined practical learning with peer-to-peer exchange.
The first day focused on marketing: participants worked on understanding their target audience, business positioning, and practical tools for promoting and developing their businesses.
The second day provided an opportunity to meet other entrepreneurs, learn from their experience, and exchange practical insights. These meetings help programme participants expand their professional networks, discover new ideas, and identify opportunities for developing their own businesses.
The next important step was grant support — five veterans received funding to implement their business ideas.
Five Businesses — Five Stories
DRYV — Archery Club
Denys Tsyra has already been developing his archery club for several months. With the support of the grant, he will be able to purchase professional bows and targets, as well as improve the club’s energy independence.
In the future, Denys plans to build a community around the club by organising local tournaments, mobile shooting ranges, and other activities that will create new opportunities for active leisure for residents of the community.
Car Clean — Professional Car Care
Vasyl Karpul had been developing the idea of a professional car-care service for many years. In 2023, he completed specialised training, and with the support of the grant, he now plans to purchase professional equipment for car polishing, headlight restoration, and deep interior cleaning.
The grant will help him turn his accumulated knowledge and experience into a fully operational business.
Dykyi Vepr — Meat Products
The idea behind Oleksandr Omelchuk’s business emerged during his military service. He recognised the need for high-quality, nutritious meat products that were convenient to store and transport, and began preparing them for his fellow service members.
Today, Oleksandr plans to develop this idea as a business. His products will include smoked meats, jerky, canned meat dishes, and other meat products.
Truck Rental with Driver
Valerii Komarovskyi has his own equipment and experience in the freight transportation sector. After a break, he plans to return to business, using the grant funding to repair and restore his equipment.
In the future, Valerii plans to expand his business and create new employment opportunities, including for other veterans.
Hamam & Wellness Space
After returning to civilian life, Serhii Shumov recognised the need for a space dedicated to relaxation and recovery. He took over a facility that was in poor condition and began gradually restoring it.
With the support of the grant, Serhii plans to improve the facilities and range of services, as well as create new jobs.
Supporting Veterans as an Investment in Community Development
Supporting veteran entrepreneurship is an important part of community recovery. Building their own businesses gives veterans an opportunity to use their experience and skills, support themselves and their families, create jobs, and become active contributors to the local economy.
For the participants of the Social Bonds programme, grant support is the next step following training and peer exchange. The next stage is the implementation of their business plans, the development of their enterprises, and the first results.
We will follow their journeys and share the stories of each of the five entrepreneurs — their challenges, solutions, first results, and new opportunities.
We wish each of them a successful start and continued growth!
The programme is implemented by The Possible Alliance in partnership with the Voznesensk City Council, with the support of Robert Bosch Stiftung, as part of the Social Bonds project.
