EBA took part in discussing Business Development and Economic Support Programs in Odesa

28/ 11/ 2025

On November 27, a meeting of the Standing Committee on Communal Property, Economic, Investment Policy, and Entrepreneurship of the Odesa City Council took place. Kateryna Morozova, Head of the Southern Ukrainian Office of the European Business Association (EBA), participated in the discussion. In her speech, Ms. Morozova highlighted key challenges facing businesses, including labor shortages, declining consumer purchasing power, asset losses due to the war, and limited access to financing. At the same time, the majority of companies (56%) have not sought additional financing since February 24, 2022. Among those who did, all used bank loans, 38% accessed the state program “Affordable Loans 5-7-9%,” and the same share received grants. Financing was primarily directed toward replenishing working capital and supporting operational activities. The discussion focused on improving the effectiveness of the city’s entrepreneurship development and support programs, raising business awareness about opportunities for both repayable and non-repayable financial assistance, increasing participation in competitive programs, and exploring opportunities for collaboration with EBA through promotion, consultations, training programs, and other joint initiatives. Kateryna emphasized: “Businesses remain in the region even during the most difficult times — and that is the key indicator of their resilience. If businesses are here, it means the city has a future.” We express our gratitude to the Odesa City Council, the Standing Committee, and the Department of Economics for their openness in communicating with the business community and their willingness to consider recommendations to improve interaction and foster the city’s economic development.

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On November 27, a meeting of the Standing Committee on Communal Property, Economic, Investment Policy, and Entrepreneurship of the Odesa City Council took place. Kateryna Morozova, Head of the Southern Ukrainian Office of the European Business Association (EBA), participated in the discussion.

In her speech, Ms. Morozova highlighted key challenges facing businesses, including labor shortages, declining consumer purchasing power, asset losses due to the war, and limited access to financing. At the same time, the majority of companies (56%) have not sought additional financing since February 24, 2022. Among those who did, all used bank loans, 38% accessed the state program “Affordable Loans 5-7-9%,” and the same share received grants. Financing was primarily directed toward replenishing working capital and supporting operational activities.

The discussion focused on improving the effectiveness of the city’s entrepreneurship development and support programs, raising business awareness about opportunities for both repayable and non-repayable financial assistance, increasing participation in competitive programs, and exploring opportunities for collaboration with EBA through promotion, consultations, training programs, and other joint initiatives.

Kateryna emphasized: “Businesses remain in the region even during the most difficult times — and that is the key indicator of their resilience. If businesses are here, it means the city has a future.”

We express our gratitude to the Odesa City Council, the Standing Committee, and the Department of Economics for their openness in communicating with the business community and their willingness to consider recommendations to improve interaction and foster the city’s economic development.