Business Loans in Ukraine: EU Loans and Grants

In this guide, we’ll explore how Ukrainian businesses can benefit from loans and grants provided by the European Union. The main support mechanism for Ukraine is called the Ukraine Facility. Below, we explain how Amazon Consulting can help companies in Ukraine access this funding from the EU.

Table of Contents

  • What is the Ukraine Facility?
  • Eligibility for EU Business Loans in Ukraine 
  • Business Loan Interest Rates in Ukraine
  • How to Apply for an EU Business Loan in Ukraine
  • Challenges and Opportunities in Securing Business Loans in Ukraine

What is the Ukraine Facility?
To aid in Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction, and modernization, the EU launched a new support program, the Ukraine Facility, for 2024-2027. This dedicated instrument enables the EU to provide up to €50 billion in financial support during this period.

The funding can be received in two forms:

  • Low-interest loans
  • Grants

The institutions responsible for providing these business loans in Ukraine include:

  • European Investment Bank (EIB)
  • European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)

Eligibility for EU Business Loans and Grants

Most businesses registered in Ukraine are eligible for EU funding. However, certain industries receive priority, including:

  • Manufacturing (both heavy and light)
  • Education and Research
  • Energy (oil, gas, and renewables)
  • Telecommunications
  • Healthcare and Pharmaceuticals
  • Recycling and Waste Management
  • Financial Services
  • Transportation and Logistics
  • Agriculture (farming and food processing)
  • Information Technology and Cybersecurity
  • Construction and Infrastructure
  • Chemical and Material Production

Additionally, the EU places extra emphasis on businesses contributing to the Green Economy, Innovation, and Digitalization. However, companies in Ukraine’s eastern regions, where conflict persists, are temporarily excluded from business loans in Ukraine provided through the EU.

Amazon Consulting has successfully helped companies in Kyiv, Odessa, Lviv, Dnipro, and Kryvyi Rih secure EU grants and subsidies over the past decade. We have also assisted Ukrainian businesses in Cyprus in reestablishing their operations in Ukraine.

Business Loan Interest Rates in Ukraine

Over the past three years, business loan interest rates in Ukraine have surged. As of 2024, the average interest rate is expected to exceed 12%, driven by the ongoing conflict and international inflation. However, loans from the EU offer a more affordable alternative, with significantly lower interest rates.

For companies in critical industries, EU loans may come with interest rates as low as 5%. In fact, Amazon Consulting secured a loan for a Ukrainian manufacturing company at just 3.7%.

How to Apply for an EU Business Loan in Ukraine?

Amazon Consulting offers a structured approach to help your company apply for EU business loans in Ukraine. Our process includes:

  • Assessing Funding Opportunities: We analyze available loans, grants, tenders, and relevant legislation.
  • Developing a Funding Strategy: Identifying the right EU funding sources and tailoring a strategy for your project.
  • Establishing Communication: We initiate dialogue between your company and the relevant EU authorities.
  • Document Collection: Gathering essential documents such as business plans, feasibility studies, permits, and patents.
  • Application Submission: Preparing EU-compliant business plans and completing application forms.
  • Negotiating: Engaging in discussions with EU officials on your behalf.
  • Leveraging Our Network: Utilizing our connections with EU policymakers, academics, and commissioners to promote your project.
  • Monitoring Progress: Drafting reports and updates throughout the project’s lifecycle.

Challenges and Opportunities in Securing Business Loans in Ukraine

The application process comes with its challenges. Convincing the EU that your project aligns with the goals of the Ukraine Facility can be difficult, and may require prolonged negotiations with bureaucrats.
Other challenges include:

  • Strict Deadlines: Meeting EU’s tight submission deadlines.
  • ESG Compliance: Ensuring your business adheres to EU’s stringent Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.
  • Frequent Updates: Continuous updates and meetings with company representatives are necessary throughout the process.
  • Bureaucracy: Despite our efforts to simplify the process, the EU will still require extensive documentation.

To succeed, it is essential to maintain regular communication with our team—especially during the early stages of the application, where weekly or even daily updates may be needed.

What Are the Chances of Securing EU Funding?

If your project aligns with the EU’s objectives concerning the reconstruction of Ukraine, there is a strong likelihood of success. Typically, the chances of securing funding exceed 80%. Projects introducing innovative technologies or research and development (R&D) have even higher chances, around 95%.

To further improve your chances:

  • Self-Funding: Projects already funded through equity and not entirely dependent on EU support are more likely to succeed.
  • Timely Submission: Ensure applications are submitted early and meet all deadlines.
  • Complete Documentation: Having all necessary documents in order is key to success


Why Choose Amazon Consulting?

At Amazon Consulting, we bring over a decade of experience in securing EU funding for our clients, having raised more than €85 million. Here’s why you should partner with us:

  • Experience and Expertise: We are seasoned in navigating the EU funding landscape and have helped numerous Ukrainian companies obtain loans and grants.
  • Access to EU Networks: Through our established relationships, we can connect your business with influential EU policymakers, legislators, and public affairs experts.
  • Academic and Research Ties: We maintain partnerships with prestigious educational institutions such as the London School of Economics, Oxford University, and Durham University. These connections help us recruit top experts and scientists to assist in your project.

Amazon Consulting’s Fees

Our fee structure includes:

  • Operating Expenses: Covering ongoing services such as business plan drafting, application submission, and follow-up meetings.
  • Success Fee: Payable only if the funding is secured, this fee is based on a percentage of the grant or loan amount.