The Ukrainian government wants to support local entrepreneurs and small businesses that lose money during the coronavirus lockdown.
Entrepreneurs can receive one-time economic assistance of Hr 8,000 ($283), just like they did earlier in December, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced during the government’s meeting on March 24.
President Volodymyr Zelensky has already registered the bill on economic relief for entrepreneurs. Now the parliament has to adopt it.
According to Shmyhal, only businesses that work in the so-called “red zones” — cities with the highest number of registered cases — can receive support from the state.
Eight regions are in the red zone as of March 24 – Kyiv and Kyiv Oblast, Zhytomyr Oblast, Ivano-Frankivsk Oblast, Chernivtsy Oblast, Odesa Oblast, Zakarpattia Oblast and Sumy Oblast.
Strict restrictions in these regions could take a toll on cafes, restaurants, non-essential stores and other businesses that are required to be closed through April 9. The government hopes that its money will help them to survive the lockdown and avoid layoffs.
In December, over 280,000 Ukrainians received a total of $78 million from the state. Entrepreneurs could apply for relief via the mobile application or website Diia.
Local authorities are also expected to help entrepreneurs, Shmyhal said.
