Ukraine Secures $88 Million Loan for Entrepreneurial Support
On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture, in conjunction with the World Bank, formalized a loan agreement amounting to 88 million US dollars through the RISE program. This funding is designated to bolster small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the nation.
Minister Oleksiy Sobolev emphasized that this new agreement facilitates the implementation of various business-support initiatives: affordable loans under the “5-7-9” scheme, grants aimed at processing industries, programs for subsidizing agricultural machinery costs, and the advancement of industrial parks.
The financial resources are allocated via the Program for Results (PforR) model: disbursements hinge on the realization of pre-established objectives agreed upon with the World Bank.
Key Programs and Anticipated Outcomes
“The signing of the additional Loan Agreement will enable directing 88 million dollars to the implementation of such business-support programs as accessible loans ‘5-7-9’, grants for processing enterprises, programs to reimburse the cost of agricultural machinery, and the promotion of industrial parks.”– Oleksiy Sobolev, Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine
Apart from the PforR framework, this mechanism guarantees enhanced transparency regarding fund utilization while concentrating on definitive outcomes. These outcomes include an uptick in issued business loans, an increase in women-led enterprises benefiting from support, and a confirmed rise in investments directed towards green technologies.
“This innovative approach ensures that funding is used effectively and efficiently to achieve tangible results, such as the set number of new business loans issued, the increase in the number of women-led enterprises receiving support, and the confirmed growth of investments in green technologies.”– according to the statement
In November of the previous year, Ukraine and the World Bank initiated three pivotal agreements that set the RISE program in motion, facilitating a financing pathway totaling 593 million US dollars to assist SMEs in their recovery post-conflict.
“As a result of successfully achieving the Program indicators in 2024, 250 million US dollars were attracted to the general fund of the state budget under the respective agreements. The indicators for 2025 are currently being implemented, and we expect to receive proceeds amounting to up to 300 million dollars.”– according to the statement
It is projected that the RISE program will aid at least 20,000 small and medium-sized enterprises by 2027, marking a significant advancement in Ukraine’s journey toward post-war economic revitalization.
This financial influx lays a robust groundwork for the rejuvenation and progression of Ukraine’s SME sector, enhancing accessibility to financing, modernizing production methodologies, and embracing sustainable technologies.
Source link: Mezha.net.
