Project description:

The “Trajectory” project addresses the economic and social adaptation challenges faced by veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families. Many veterans are reluctant to return to their previous jobs due to physical and psychological trauma or a reassessment of their values. Military families often struggle with income instability and psychological stress. The project helps them to start a new life by launching their own business, providing financial stability and the opportunity to engage in socially beneficial activities that bring fulfillment. 

To implement the project, “Trajectory”, together with Diia Business Poltava, has created a comprehensive support programme for veterans, which includes grants of up to UAH 100,000, access to training webinars and one-to-one consultations. 

The “Trajectory” project received 440 applications from all over Ukraine, and 411 were selected to participate in the first round of the programme. Among them, 43% were veterans, 7% were active military personnel, and 50% were spouses of military personnel. The gender structure of the participants is 55% women and 45% men. The process of opening a sole proprietorship by participants is ongoing. 

Among the winners: 

• 41% – veterans, 
• 4% – active military, 
• 55% – spouses of military personnel. 

Top 3 business sectors: 

• Service/construction  
• Food production   
• Garment production

Partners:

Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine; Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office; Diia.Business; Diia Business Poltava; Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine; Ukrainian Veterans Fund; Embassy of Sweden in Ukraine; United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Category: Prosperity

Company: Aurora Multimarket

About the company: 

Aurora Multimarket is a Ukrainian business that was launched in 2011 as a small stationery store. Today, their chain of stores includes over 1500 stores, 4 support offices, and 5 logistics hubs in Ukraine, as well as 25 stores, a back office, and a logistics hub in Romania.