BLOOM Launches: Supporting Microbusinesses and Breaking Market Barriers in Six Regions of Ukraine

PO “ALLIANCE.GLOBAL”, in partnership with Mercy Corps, is launching the project “BuildiPng Livelihoods and Opportunities for Market Optimization” (BLOOM). The initiative aims to support people whose lives and economic stability have been affected by the full-scale war, as well as to overcome barriers that hinder the development of local markets. The project will focus on households in Chernihiv, Sumy, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Odesa regions, with particular attention to the most vulnerable groups.

The goal of BLOOM is to create more opportunities for sustainable and productive economic activity by strengthening local institutions and communities. One of the key expected outcomes is financial support to protect and restore livelihoods both in agriculture and in non-agricultural sectors. In total, the program plans to award 75 micro-grants for the launch or recovery of small-scale businesses.

Operationally, the program covers a series of interconnected steps — from outreach and application intake to site visits, business plan evaluations, selection committee decisions, signing of documentation, and verification of purchases. After support is provided, monitoring visits, post-distribution monitoring, and follow-up assistance will ensure long-term effectiveness. All activities are carried out in line with procedures coordinated with Mercy Corps.

The first phase of BLOOM will focus on six regions — Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Odesa. Here, the team will directly work with local communities, small-scale farmers, non-agricultural initiatives, microbusiness owners, and individuals seeking to start self-employment.

BLOOM is rooted in an inclusive, community-based approach and adheres to the principle of “do no harm.” Equal access will be ensured for internally displaced persons, people with disabilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community, survivors of gender-based or domestic violence, people living with HIV, and those facing systemic marginalization. Priority will be given to people with multiple vulnerabilities, and participation formats will remain flexible — ranging from in-person visits to fully remote support.

BLOOM is about restoring dignity through work, supporting local economies, and reducing reliance on humanitarian aid. If you live in one of the target regions and have an idea to restart or launch a small business, follow our announcements, join information sessions, and apply. Together, we can help communities recover and empower people to regain sustainable sources of income and confidence in the future.

BLOOM program is implemented by the BLOOM Consortium consisting of Mercy Corps, International Rescue Committee (IRC), Swisscontact, and Right to Protection (R2P) with funding from UK aid from the UK government.