The Presidential Council for Entrepreneurship Support: A Dialogue Between Business and the State

On April 2, a meeting of the Council for Entrepreneurship Support under the President of Ukraine was held. The event was chaired by the Head of the Office of the President, Kyrylo Budanov, and attended by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, government officials, and business representatives. The Ukrainian Association of Developers was represented by its chairman, Yevhen Favorov.

The Council brings together more than 80 representatives from leading companies, who have formed 11 industry committees. Economy Minister Oleksiy Sobolev and Iryna Mudra have been appointed as vice chairs of the Council.

A strong economy is key to success

Kirill Budanov set the tone for the meeting, emphasizing that the issue of supporting entrepreneurship is not about comfort, but about the country’s competitiveness. According to him, Ukraine today faces not only military risks but also competition from other countries for capital, investment, and entrepreneurs.

Yulia Svyrydenko emphasized the government’s readiness to take concrete action. On the eve of the meeting, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the “Point of Support” program, which provides for partial compensation of employees’ wages during forced downtime caused by Russian attacks, as well as compensation for employers’ social security contributions. Since the beginning of the year, insurance for war risks has also become available, and grants for business development and equipment restoration are in effect.

What topics did the business address?

Business representatives highlighted the systemic challenges facing the industry: a shortage of skilled workers, an unstable energy supply, limited access to credit, high electricity costs, logistical barriers, and regulatory conflicts.

The issue of military risk insurance was discussed separately. Current mechanisms do not function effectively for the defense industry and large energy companies. Following the meeting, two areas of focus were identified: a compulsory insurance pool for defense companies involving international reinsurers, and a large-scale financial product for energy sector insurance in collaboration with the EBRD, DFC, and other IFIs.

The government is prepared to use fast-track procedures for the most pressing issues. The Head of the President’s Office has instructed officials to document the issues raised and identify those responsible for addressing them.

Standard format

The Council meetings will become a regular occurrence. The next meeting is scheduled to take place in two months. The UAD will continue to represent the interests of the development community in this dialogue and will share updates.

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Previously we reportedthat the Association had joined the Council’s work.