The grant opportunities of the USAID Competitive Economy of Ukraine program (USAID CEP) for small and medium enterprises of the Ternopil region were presented.

On July 18, 2023, in Ternopil, USAID Competitive Economy Program experts together with the “Universal Business Resource” Consalting Company, with the support of Ternopil Regional Military Administration and Regional Office of International Cooperation in the Ternopil Region, held a presentation of grant opportunities available to SMEs in the region within the framework of the Program.

Viktor Ustenko, Deputy Head of Ternopil Regional Military Administration, participated in the event.

"Today's event is extremely important, as it enables small and medium-sized enterprises of the region to gain access to the opportunities of the Program, to increase their competitiveness on the Ukrainian domestic and international markets. It also provides an opportunity for Ukrainian companies to take advantage of the benefits of international trade. Undoubtedly, it will be valuable for the participants to familiarize themselves with the experience of the grantees, participants of the Program", - Viktor Ustenko stated.

The USAID Competitive Economy of Ukraine Program helps to increase the competitiveness of Ukrainian startups and small and medium enterprises in the domestic market, as well as the competitiveness of Ukrainian products and services in international markets.

The main goals of the Program are:

• development of a simplified and transparent business climate;

• support of developing industries;

• promotion of trade and export;

• promoting reconstruction through increased access to finance and investment.

As part of the implementation of the Program, grants are currently provided for representatives of small and medium enterprises in the following directions:

- business continuity and recovery;

- grants for small and medium women's family enterprises;

- grants to support export alliances;

- grants to support business participation in international trade events;

- grants to support innovative transformation and development of processing enterprises.

During the event entrepreneurs from the Ternopil region had the opportunity to get acquainted with the practical experience of grant recipients, participants of the Program.

The event was a great opportunity for representatives of small and medium enterprises in the region to gain new knowledge and practical experience to use the opportunities provided by the USAID Competitive Economy of Ukraine Program to develop their own business and strengthen the economic potential of the region as a whole.

Regional Office of International Cooperation is an initiative of the Congress of local and regional authorities under the President of Ukraine, which aims to develop the interaction of local and regional authorities with international partners who seek to cooperate at the level of the region and territorial community.