SME Boost: Economic Integration of Internally Displaced Persons

Facts and Figures

EUR 6.237 M

753

2,237

5,028

SME Boost contributes to Ukraine’s economic recovery by providing support to micro and small enterprises that have been displaced or otherwise affected by the war.

In doing so, SME Boost contributes to economic resilience, job growth, and development of micro and small businesses throughout the country.

IOM supports micro and small enterprises with financial grants up to EUR 20,000 in order to re-establish or grow an existing business.

Through our implementing partners, we provide consultancy services and technical support to help businesses develop and implement strategies to stimulate growth and profitability – such services are in high demand, particularly among businesses that have been displaced due to the war and need support in re-establishing supply chains, workforce, and markets in new and unfamiliar contexts.

In cooperation with local governments and business partners, SME Boost also supports learning and networking events geared towards re-establishing, adapting, and growing business activity, mitigating the impact of the war, retaining existing jobs, and creating new work opportunities.

IOM also recognizes the incredible role the Ukrainian diaspora can play in supporting business recovery and development. Through SME Boost, and in collaboration with Ukrainian government partners, IOM works with diaspora groups to open new trade and export opportunities for Ukrainian micro and small businesses, thus contributing to the country’s economic growth and communities’ wellbeing.

Between November 2021 and December 2023, IOM has provided financial grants to more than 700 micro and small enterprises and created 2,237 new jobs. Additionally, the SME Boost programme has provided technical support and consultancy services to over 400 businesses and supported over 20 business knowledge and networking events, trained 150 start-ups and entrepreneurs, and provided financial support to 60 start-ups.

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Where We Work

SME boost Map

SME Boost supports war-impacted businesses to re-establish themselves and create jobs. It is:

Comprehensive

Demand-Driven

Flexible & Responsive

Informed by Evidence

"Thanks to IOM I was able to restart my business in Zakarpattia where I am helping other displaced people like myself with employment" - Sviatoslav

The Ukrainian company Mureli, is a brand that creates exclusive leather goods and sells them in the USA and Europe. The business was based in Vyshhorod city, Kyiv Region, near the Kyiv suburbs heavily affected by hostilities in the first weeks of the Russian invasion.

SME Boost Multi-stage Assessment and Selection Process

SME selection process

SME Boost Achievements at a Glance

Employment

76% of the jobs created are full-time
67% of the businesses confirmed that the financial grant they received from IOM enabled them to retain staff who they would have otherwise had to let go
37% of the business owners have confirmed that financial grant enabled them to increase the average salary offered to employees

Revenue and Productivity

93% of businesses increased their productivity
72% of business owners have reported income increase
97% of businesses confirmed their capacity to operate in the long-term

Product Development and Local Market Enrichment

48% of businesses reported expanding range of services they deliver
24% of business owners reported production of products of higher quality

Socio-economic Impact

66% of the business owners reported positive shifts in the socio-economic conditions of their families

Satisfaction with the Program

100% of business owners reported that financial grants were fully utilized and were the most suitable form of assistance
Most businesses achieved their business plans and highlighted the overall support and monitoring conducted before and during implementation as positive contributors towards these results
55% of business owners qualified the process to receive the financial grant as easy, while 36% qualified it as average and 9% as difficult

Main Best Practices and Strengths Highlighted by Beneficiaries

67% reported sufficiency of the grant to re-start the business
62% reported that the team was helpful throughout the process of implementation
48% appreciated the guidance in the development of the business plans

Inclusivity and Accessibility of the Programme

User-friendly on-line application process
Rigorous assessment and due diligence of businesses that minimizes fraud
Open and competitive grant award procedure
Engaging on-line business pitching environment
Dedicated project team that provides businesses continuous support throughout project implementation from agreement signing to financial reporting
Continuous monitoring and evaluation that ensures result-oriented programme management
Flexible and adaptive to different needs and priorities on the community, regional and sectoral levels

All services and assistance provided by IOM and its partners are free of charge.

IOM and its partners aim to treat the people we serve with respect.

If someone from IOM or its partners requested any payments, favours, or sexual activity in exchange for services and/or treated you or others disrespectfully, please contact the IOM Complaints and Feedback Mechanism:

Email: SMUKRcfm@iom.int

Phone numbers: 0800215015 (free for all operators), +380674066327 (free only for Kyivstar) and +380952403511 (free only for Vodafone). The hotline works from 09.00 to 17.00 from Monday to Friday.