We are resuming the active work of the "Climate Innovation Vouchers" grant program! Until May 31, 2022, Ukrainian entrepreneurs can apply for a grant of up to 50,000 euros for the development or implementation of technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency, and prevent climate change.

Since the beginning of the Russian aggression against Ukraine, we have announced the continuation of accepting applications for Climate Innovation Vouchers at least until the end of martial law. However, despite the fact that hostilities continue in some regions of Ukraine, and part of Ukrainian territories are occupied, it is very important for us that the economy is alive. Ukraine needs people who create jobs, are able to pay taxes and be drivers of economic growth.

Thanks to the heroism of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and all those who defend Ukraine, we see an opportunity to renew financial support for climate innovators without waiting for the end of martial law. 

Of course, the war made adjustments to the conditions and timeline of the project. Therefore, we have resumed weekly online consultations on the project, where we tell you exactly what will await our applicants on the way to receiving grants.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with the main changes in the project and the most interesting questions from the participants of the first consultation.

What you need to know when applying

Climate Innovation Vouchers are grant funds that are provided to pay for services that will help to improve or finalize innovative development companies. This grant is intended for small and medium-sized businesses that develop or implement "green" technologies that reduce the negative impact on the climate.

Vouchers cannot be taken by companies that are in any way involved in Russia or Belarus and are subject to sanctions in Ukraine, the EU or the USA; companies registered and/or operating in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine. Also, companies working in the field of alcohol, tobacco or gambling business are not allowed to participate.

The Voucher scheme provides for the implementation of the grant project by the winner together with the selected service provider. The contract between the company and the service provider is signed in euros. However, due to the state of war, there are certain difficulties in attracting international service providers. To date, currency payments in a huge number of categories are largely blocked. Therefore, if a participant of the competition wants to attract a service provider from abroad, it is important to check whether the necessary services provided by this provider can be included in the list of Ukrainian critical imports. Another option is to look for a service provider in Ukraine to pay for its services in hryvnias.

 Actual questions from the participants of the consultation

Is it possible to buy equipment with grant funds?

Only 20% from the grant can be used for the purchase of equipment.

How many service providers can there be?

You can involve up to three service providers.

Can a company make two applications with different service providers?

One company can submit two or more applications with different service providers to receive different services. There are no restrictions on the number of applications. However, the company will receive only one contract with the donor.

Will the application be liquid if the service provider is not working at the time of application validation (for example, due to hostilities)?

It is not possible to replace the service provider after the closing of applications. If the service provider is not working at the time the application is checked, the service that the service provider was supposed to provide is deleted. The service from the application, which can be performed by the service provider, is performed. Therefore, we recommend choosing a service provider very carefully, as well as confirming your agreements at the time of submitting an application.

What is the procedure for compensation and payment of service provider services?

The beneficiary provides the service provider with 25% of co-financing from the amount of the grant. If the service provider cannot perform the work on the basis of the paid 25%, the beneficiary must negotiate and pay the amount of the advance for which the service provider is ready to perform the work. After the works are completed, the EBRD pays the beneficiary the remaining 75% of the grant amount. The beneficiary pays the full cost of the service provider's services and compensates his own expenses if the amount of the advance payment was higher than 25%. 

Are grant funds taxable?

These funds are registered as international technical assistance and are not subject to taxation. However, there are no tax benefits for settlements between the beneficiary and the service provider.

The full video of the consultation is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9L0GfuLM-c