Forbes Special Project: How Entrepreneurship Aids Ukrainians in Recovering from Traumas of War

The war exacts a heavy toll on Ukraine and its people every day. Those who have lost their homes, property, friends, or loved ones often lose faith in the future, and, for some people, the purpose of life. Every heart shattered by loss requires resilience, time, and activities that help them rise and move forward with hope for the future. Launching a personal business can provide the momentum to live through grief and make a fresh start after a loss.

Psychologists suggest that a business that brings joy can help alleviate the emotional distress that accompanies the loss of a loved one.

Steady employment, particularly in one’s own business, is key to recovering from severe life shocks more swiftly. The body needs to activate energy resources to work towards the success of the enterprise, which means it will “switch” faster and navigate through all the stages of grieving.

Even during the war, starting or reviving your own business is not daunting if you have a reliable partner by your side. Earlier this year, MHP-Gromadi Charitable Foundation, in partnership with the Ukrainian Veterans Fund of the Ministry of Veterans, held the #VARTO Doing Your Own competition. According to its terms of the competition, ten Ukrainians – veterans and their families, as well as the families of the fallen servicemen and servicewomen – were awarded between UAH 500,000 and UAH 1.5 million to develop their businesses. Five of them shared their experiences of discovering the grant program and their courage to start their own business right in the midst of the war. Additionally, a psychologist explained the mechanics of how and why owning a business can help revive one’s life.

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