Small business in Ukraine now have a unique online platform to help them navigate the procedures to start a new business. The Platform for Effective Regulation (PRO) – http://regulation.gov.ua – was created by the Better Regulation Delivery Office (BRDO) under the EU4Business FORBIZ project. Launched on 20 September 2017, it provides a new online platform for business-to-state interaction – a powerful incentive for SME development in Ukraine.
"Improving the business climate and creating more favorable conditions for entrepreneurs in Ukraine is one of the priorities of the government,” said Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman, opening the event in Kyiv. “At the same time, what matters is not only the number of business projects, but also the extent to which business can be successful and stimulate the development of the country's economy.”
Unique business tools
The PRO platform contains a number of unique business tools: step-by-step instructions for starting your own business, procedures for permits, cost calculators for regulatory requirements, etc. From now on, entrepreneurs do not need to spend time and effort on finding the necessary information. It's enough to answer a number of questions on the PRO website and get the check-list of the necessary steps: what documents to collect, how long each procedure takes, where to go, etc.
The importance of SME support was emphasised by the Head of the Cooperation Programmes at the EU Delegation to Ukraine, Bernd de Groot: "SMEs are the driving force and foundation of the European economy, which creates 85% of new jobs. In Ukraine business needs targeted support from the Government, because it does not have enough opportunities for development, the regulatory framework is very complicated. The EU pays particular attention to supporting the efforts of the Ukrainian Government to improve the business environment under the EU4Business initiative, in particular the FORBIZ project. "
Detailed instructions in 15 sectors
For now, the PRO platform allows users to obtain detailed instructions on starting their own business in the 15 most popular sectors, including restaurants, taxi service, private kindergartens, mini bakeries, family doctor's office, Internet service provider; charging station for electric vehicles, training courses, green power plant, etc.
“The state should become more understandable, predictable and open to business. Each of our cases is the result of a thorough examination of the business segment issues based on inventory and analysis of legislative requirements, consultations with state authorities and business on existing procedures,” said Alexei Goncharuk, Chairman of the BRDO.
The PRO platform also contains a separate section with a number of working tools for more effective operation of government authorities. The local authorities and public organisations of Vinnytsia, Mykolaiv and Chernivtsi have already joined the project.
Funded by the European Union under the EU4Business initiative, the FORBIZ project supports Ukraine’s reform agenda and its economic recovery by proposing a systemic, smart change to a more business-friendly environment with a particular focus on SMEs. The project seeks to steer a shift in policy towards greater recognition of SMEs and the vital role they play in economic recovery, while addressing the challenge of reducing regulatory burden and lessening risk for businesses.
PRO platform http://regulation.gov.ua
BRDO website http://brdo.com.ua
