A veteran-owned bakery “Strength and Flavour” has opened in Stryi, founded by 19-year-old volunteer fighter Ihor Borys. In 2023, the young veteran suffered a severe injury while breaking out of encirclement in Donetsk region, underwent complex surgeries and rehabilitation, and his own business has become a way for him to socialise and build a new professional career.
The bakery produces a daily range of savoury and sweet goods. Inside, they have arranged a remembrance corner with photographs from the front line, unit patches, signed flags and war trophies to remind visitors of the combat path of the owner and his comrades-in-arms.
The venue was launched thanks to the state “eRobota” programme. Ihor Borys received 500 thousand hryvnias in grant funding to purchase professional equipment and created two jobs. Additionally, the Lviv Regional Military Administration reimbursed 150 thousand hryvnias for the signage and interior under the regional programme to support veteran entrepreneurship, which allows up to 30% of the state grant amount to be reimbursed.
The Department of Economic Policy of the Lviv Regional Military Administration reminds applicants that the size of the “eRobota” grant for veterans depends on the number of jobs created.
As for the amounts the state allocates under “eRobota” for veterans and their family members, this can be 250 thousand hryvnias if one job is created, 500 thousand hryvnias if two jobs are created, and one million hryvnias if four jobs are created and such a business has already been operating for 12 calendar months — Vadym Tabakera