GRANTS FOR BUSINESS: THE DEPENDENCE OF THE ACCEPTABILITY CRITERIA AND CONDITIONS OF RECEIVING FINANCING ON THE AMOUNT OF THE GRANT

Abstract

The article analyzes a number of grant programs to support micro, small, medium and large businesses in wartime conditions, namely: "eRobota" program, "Own business" direction, EIT Urban Mobility, "eRobota" program for processing enterprises, USAID program for medium and large processing enterprises, USAID program for MSMEs in the grain sector in increasing grain storage and drying capacities, "Developpp" program, the USAID/IBR project program, the USAID program "export-oriented program for the processing of grain, oil and leguminous crops". After analyzing the eligibility criteria in the above programs, which relate to the applicant's business reputation, the following conclusions are drawn: 1. An ideal reputation is important for receiving a grant, regardless of its size - both for small and very large projects. 2. The applicant's contribution is not mandatory in programs with small grant funding and for start-up projects. However, organizations applying for large grants must provide the project with alternative resources in the amount of 30% to 50%. 3. The age of the organization is important for the grantor, especially with large amounts of funding. But for the development of micro-businesses and startup projects, this criterion is less important. 4. Relevant experience in the priority grant program is mandatory, with the exception of cases of financing business opening or startups. 5. The requirements for the presence of partner organizations are ambiguous, but in order to receive large grants it is important to demonstrate connections with other organizations. 6. The availability of audit reports is not mandatory for most funds, but documents on the financial status of the applicant for the last year must be presented. 7. The number of employees does not directly affect the amount of the grant, but when the project is approved, an obligation to employ a certain number of people may be established. 8. In programs with large grant funding, a requirement for a minimum amount of annual turnover may be established, which is a mandatory condition. 9. The presence of a business development strategy is a significant advantage when selecting and making a decision on awarding a grant. It was concluded that the eligibility criteria and conditions for obtaining financing depend on the amount of the grant. The larger the amount of the grant, the higher the requirements of the grantor to potential grantees. At the same time, the business reputation of applicant organizations is equally important for all programs. However, each of them contains a different set of criteria that determine the ideal reputation of a potential grantee.