Mercy Corps BLOOM: Individual Cash Assistance up to $5,000 for War-Affected Microbusinesses

From Crisis to Opportunity: Rebuilding Your Business with Mercy Corps BLOOM

For entrepreneurs in Ukraine, the war has upended not just daily life but also the businesses that sustain families and communities. If you are a self-employed individual or run a micro-business and have been directly affected by the conflict, a new funding opportunity from Mercy Corps may be exactly what you need to get back on your feet. The BLOOM (Building Livelihoods and Opportunities for Optimised Markets) program is offering individual cash assistance grants of $1,000 to $5,000 USD (disbursed in hryvnias at the current NBU exchange rate) to help you purchase essential business assets.

This is not a loan-it is a grant. There is no repayment required, and because the program operates on a rolling basis, you can apply at any time as long as funding remains available. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to decide whether this opportunity is right for you and how to prepare a strong application.

Who Is This Grant For?

Mercy Corps designed BLOOM specifically for war-affected self-employed individuals and micro-business owners. You are eligible if you meet both of the following criteria:

• You are an internally displaced person (IDP) or a resident of one of these eight regions: Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Sumy, or Zaporizhzhia.
• You are self-employed or operate a micro-business that has been harmed by the war.

What exactly is a “micro-business”? Generally, it means a very small enterprise-often with fewer than ten employees and a low turnover. If you are a sole proprietor, freelancer, or run a small shop, workshop, or service, you likely qualify. The program’s goal is to reduce household dependence on humanitarian aid by helping you restore or expand your income-generating activity.

Important: The grant is not for starting an entirely new business from scratch. It is meant to support existing self-employment or micro-business initiatives that have been disrupted by the war. If your business was already operating before the conflict and you now need equipment, tools, or materials to reopen or scale up, you are the ideal candidate.

What Can the Grant Be Used For?

The funding is strictly for essential business assets. Eligible purchases include:

• Equipment (e.g., sewing machines, bakery ovens, power tools, computer hardware)
• Tools (e.g., carpentry kits, plumbing tools, agricultural implements)
• Materials (e.g., fabric, wood, packaging supplies, seeds)
• Other tangible assets directly needed to produce goods or deliver services

You cannot use the money for rent, salaries, marketing, or general operating expenses. The focus is on tangible items that will enable you to work and generate income again.

Grant amounts range from $1,000 to $5,000 USD. The exact sum you receive will depend on your business plan, the assets you need, and the assessment made by Mercy Corps. Because the payment is made in hryvnias at the official NBU exchange rate, the actual amount in local currency may fluctuate slightly, but the dollar cap ensures fairness across all applicants.

How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide

While the official application process is managed by Mercy Corps, here is a general roadmap based on the information provided and standard practices for such programs.

1. Review the Official Listing

Start by visiting the official program page on GrantGunner (see the link in the Sources section below) to confirm eligibility details and any updates. Then go directly to the Mercy Corps BLOOM application portal at https://bloom.mercycorps.org/page/QDzYWmDp.

2. Prepare Your Business Profile

You will likely need to provide:

• Proof of your status as an IDP or resident of one of the eight eligible regions (e.g., internal passport, registration certificate).
• A brief description of your self-employment or micro-business activity, including how it has been affected by the war.
• A list of the essential assets you want to purchase, with estimated costs.
• A simple budget showing how the grant funds will be used.

3. Submit Your Application

The program operates on a rolling basis, meaning there is no fixed deadline. Applications are reviewed as they come in, so it is wise to apply early. Check the portal to see if it is currently accepting applications.

4. Wait for Assessment

Mercy Corps will evaluate your application based on need, feasibility, and alignment with the program’s goals. If shortlisted, you may be contacted for a brief interview or additional documentation.

Practical Tips for a Strong Application

• Be specific about the assets you need. Instead of saying “general supplies,” list items like “industrial sewing machine (model XYZ) - $800” or “200 kg of wheat flour - $400.” Specificity shows you have thought carefully about what will make your business viable.
• Explain the war’s impact. Describe briefly how the conflict disrupted your work-whether you had to flee, lost inventory, or faced a drop in customers. This context helps reviewers understand why the grant is essential.
• Show how the grant will lead to income. The program’s aim is to reduce reliance on aid. Explain how the new equipment or materials will help you generate revenue, serve customers, or create jobs.
• Keep it simple. You do not need a formal business plan. A clear, honest summary of your situation and needs is more effective than a polished but generic proposal.
• Apply early. Because the program is rolling, funds may be limited. Submitting sooner increases your chances.

Is This Grant Right for You?

Ask yourself these questions to decide:

1. Are you an IDP or resident in one of the eight eligible regions? If not, you cannot apply.
2. Do you already have a self-employment or micro-business activity? If you are only thinking about starting one, this grant may not be a fit.
3. Do you need tangible assets (equipment, tools, materials) to restart or grow your business? If yes, proceed.
4. Can you manage without ongoing operational support? The grant does not cover rent, utilities, or salaries. If your biggest need is cash flow rather than assets, you may need other funding.
5. Can you apply promptly? With a rolling deadline, hesitation could mean missing out.

If you answered “yes” to most of these, the Mercy Corps BLOOM grant could be a lifeline. It is a rare opportunity to receive direct cash assistance for business assets without incurring debt.

What Happens After You Apply?

Once your application is submitted, Mercy Corps will review it. If approved, you will receive the funds (in hryvnias) and be expected to purchase the agreed-upon assets. You may be asked to provide receipts or proof of purchase to ensure transparency. There is no requirement to repay the grant, but you should be prepared to report briefly on how the funds were used.

Why This Opportunity Matters

In times of war, rebuilding is an act of resilience. This grant does more than provide money-it gives you the tools to reclaim your independence and contribute to your community’s economic recovery. By supporting micro-businesses, Mercy Corps is helping to keep local economies alive in regions that have suffered immense damage.

If you are a war-affected entrepreneur in Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Sumy, or Zaporizhzhia, do not let this opportunity pass you by. Explore the full details on GrantGunner and apply today via the official Mercy Corps portal.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is based on the research brief and may not include all program details. Always verify the latest requirements and availability on the official application page before applying.