Third Phase of the Ministry of Economy–UNDP Project

The Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine, together with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has approved and is launching the implementation of the third phase of the project “Strengthening Membership-Based Business Associations of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Ukraine” for the period 2025–2028. The project is implemented with financial support from the Government of Switzerland through the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), with clearly defined priorities, roles, and coordination mechanisms among the parties.

The third phase of the project is intended to be a logical continuation of previous stages and envisages a shift from crisis response to the systemic scaling of proven solutions aimed at ensuring the sustainability of business associations as key institutions for the development of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Particular emphasis is placed on strengthening their capacity to consolidate entrepreneurs, represent their interests, analyze key challenges, and cooperate with public authorities at both national and regional levels.Among the main objectives of the new phase are institutional strengthening of business associations, development of services for their members (including business services), building partnerships with public authorities, educational and international institutions, as well as expanding and implementing effective public–private dialogue in the economic environment. This is expected to contribute to the creation of a coherent, long-term ecosystem for supporting entrepreneurship.

The Minister of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine emphasized that business associations play an important role in shaping policies based on the real needs of entrepreneurs and in ensuring dialogue with authorities at the local level, while a joint MSME support model will contribute to sustainable economic development. The UNDP Resident Representative in Ukraine also noted that the third phase of the project should move from “point-based” support to systemic solutions that strengthen the ability of associations to deliver high-quality services and influence political and economic processes.

Over 10 years of project implementation, nearly 100 business associations across Ukraine have been supported, and more than 24 partner organizations have introduced multi-level membership models covering around 25,000 MSMEs. The supported associations actively implement transparency standards, expand the range of services for businesses, and engage in advocacy for reforms, which has contributed to the adoption of a number of laws and by-laws improving the business environment.

One of the practical outcomes of cooperation between the Ministry of Economy and UNDP has been the development of the “Made in Ukraine” office network, which provides entrepreneurs with access to consultations, services, and state support programs. To date, the opening of 13 out of the planned 100 offices has been supported, helping businesses navigate available state support instruments.