Vlasna Sprava Grants: Up to 1,000,000 UAH for Ukraine's Creative Entrepreneurs

Introduction

Ukraine’s creative sector has been a powerhouse of innovation, resilience, and cultural expression, even in challenging times. To fuel this momentum, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, through the Ministry of Economy, has launched the Vlasna Sprava grant program. This initiative offers direct financial support-ranging from 100,000 to 1,000,000 UAH-to entrepreneurs and freelancers working across the creative industries. If you are a designer, filmmaker, game developer, architect, or media professional with a vision to grow your business, this could be your opportunity.

In this spotlight, we break down everything you need to know about the Vlasna Sprava grant: who can apply, what the funding can be used for, and how to prepare a strong application. We also offer practical tips to help you decide if this grant is the right fit for your venture.

What Is the Vlasna Sprava Grant?

The Vlasna Sprava ("Own Business") program is a state-funded grant scheme designed specifically for creative industry entrepreneurs in Ukraine. Unlike many general small business grants, this one zeroes in on sectors that drive cultural and economic value through creativity and intellectual property.

The grant amount is not fixed-applicants can request between 100,000 and 1,000,000 UAH, depending on the scale and scope of their proposed project. The program operates on a rolling basis, meaning there is no fixed deadline; you can apply at any time until further notice.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility is broad but targeted. The program is open to entrepreneurs and freelancers who are registered in Ukraine and operate in one of the following creative fields:

• Cinema and video production
• Libraries, museums, and archives
• Theaters and performing arts
• Architecture and urban design
• Design (graphic, industrial, fashion, etc.)
• Media and journalism
• Photography
• Game development and software development
• Public relations (PR) and advertising
• Folk crafts and traditional arts
• Individual creative activities (writers, artists, musicians)

Both startups and individuals (including sole proprietors) are welcome to apply. The key requirement is that your business or freelance activity falls within one of the listed creative sectors and that you have a clear plan to use the funding to scale or develop your operations.

What Can the Funding Be Used For?

The grant is intended for business development within Ukraine. While the specific terms of use are not detailed in the brief, typical allowable expenses for such grants include:

• Purchasing equipment or software
• Hiring staff or contractors
• Marketing and promotion
• Renting workspace
• Content production (e.g., films, games, media campaigns)
• Upgrading digital infrastructure

Important: Because the official listing does not provide exhaustive expenditure rules, applicants should carefully review the application form and any linked guidelines on the official portal. Generally, funds must be used to directly advance your business goals in Ukraine.

Why This Grant Matters for Ukraine’s Creative Economy

Ukraine’s creative industries have shown remarkable resilience. Despite the war, sectors like IT and game development continue to grow, while film, design, and media produce globally recognized work. The Vlasna Sprava grant is a strategic investment in this ecosystem. By providing up to 1 million UAH per applicant, the program enables creative entrepreneurs to:

• Scale from freelancer to formal business
• Invest in higher-quality production tools
• Expand their client base and export services
• Create jobs in local communities
• Innovate with digital and multimedia tools

For freelancers, this grant can be the bridge between project-based work and a sustainable, registered business. For startups, it provides critical early-stage capital without the pressure of repayment or equity dilution.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the official Diia.Business portal. Although the exact application steps are not fully detailed in the brief, the process typically involves:

1. Registering or logging in on business.diia.gov.ua
2. Preparing a business plan or project proposal (including budget, timeline, and expected outcomes)
3. Providing evidence of your creative activity (portfolio, client list, previous projects)
4. Submitting tax or registration documents demonstrating your legal status in Ukraine

Because the deadline is rolling, there is no rush to apply by a specific date-but early application is always advisable, as funds may be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Practical Tips for a Strong Application

Here are some guidelines to increase your chances of success:

• Be specific about your creative sector. The program is designed for distinct creative fields, so make sure your application clearly identifies which sector you belong to and why your work fits.
• Show impact. Whether it’s job creation, cultural preservation, or export potential, highlight how your project will benefit Ukraine’s creative economy.
• Provide a realistic budget. Break down how the grant funds will be spent. Even a simple table showing equipment, personnel, and marketing costs can strengthen credibility.
• Include a portfolio. If you are a designer, photographer, or developer, attach samples of your work. If you are in media or film, include links to published content.
• Check your eligibility twice. Confirm that you are registered as an entrepreneur or freelancer in Ukraine and that your work falls under the listed categories. If you are a freelance artist, you may need to show proof of professional activity.
• Stay updated. Visit grant-av.com.ua/grants/?_grant=9 or the Diia.Business portal for any new details, FAQs, or application guides.

Should You Apply?

Ask yourself these questions:

• Do I have an active business or freelance practice in one of the creative sectors listed?
• Can I articulate a clear plan to use 100,000-1,000,000 UAH to grow that practice?
• Am I registered as a private entrepreneur (FOP) or equivalent in Ukraine?

If you answered yes, this grant is worth pursuing. It is particularly valuable for:

• Independent filmmakers looking to produce their next project
• Small design studios aiming to hire and expand
• Game developers needing funding for software licenses or testing
• PR and advertising freelancers wanting to formalize their business

Even if you are not yet registered, the rolling nature of the grant gives you time to sort out your legal status while preparing a strong proposal.

How GrantGunner Can Help

Finding the right funding opportunity can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. GrantGunner helps you discover and apply for grants like the Vlasna Sprava program. You can explore this and hundreds of other funding opportunities tailored to your sector and location. Use our platform to track deadlines, prepare applications, and stay informed about new funding rounds.

Conclusion

The Vlasna Sprava grant is a unique opportunity for Ukraine’s creative professionals to secure funding that can transform their business. With amounts reaching up to 1,000,000 UAH and a rolling application process, it offers flexibility and meaningful support. Whether you’re a filmmaker, designer, game developer, or media entrepreneur, now is the time to prepare your proposal and take your creative venture to the next level.

For more details, visit the official application page on Diia.Business or check the detailed listing on grant-av.com.ua.