A Symbolic Start: Independence Day and Business Unity
On August 28, 2025, the international conference “City – Space for Business” was held in Warsaw, organized by the Polish-Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (PUIG) and partners. The event gathered officials, business leaders, investors, and Ukrainian entrepreneurs.
Opening remarks by Jacek Piechota, President of PUIG, and Dariusz Szymczyha, First Deputy, highlighted solidarity with Ukraine in the face of ongoing rocket attacks. Speakers stressed that Poland and Ukraine are not only allies but also economic partners with growing joint projects.
Infrastructure Projects in Poland: New Logistics Hubs
Mariusz Frankowski, Governor of Masovian Voivodeship, presented large-scale investments, including the Central Port of Communication (CPK) – a logistics hub worth 130 billion zlotys over the next 7 years.
This project opens new opportunities for cooperation with Ukrainian companies in aviation, railways, and road infrastructure.
Ukrainian Business in Poland: Integration Through Entrepreneurship
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Over 10,000 Ukrainian businesses have been registered in Masovian Voivodeship since the start of the war.
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7,000 of them are in Warsaw alone, contributing taxes and creating jobs.
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Nationwide, there are 80,000 companies linked to Ukrainians, including 13,000 with 100% Ukrainian capital, often benefiting from tax reductions of up to 70% in special economic zones.
These figures confirm that Ukrainian entrepreneurship is actively integrating into the Polish economy.
Financial Instruments: Loans, Grants, and Guarantees
1. Loans for Ukrainian Entrepreneurs in Poland
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Maximum loan: PLN 10 million.
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Interest rate: 1.75% – one of the lowest in the market.
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Available for businesses operating in Poland and engaged in reconstruction projects.
2. Grants and Contributions
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Over 60 business contributions are currently available.
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Funding: up to PLN 10 million per project.
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Total volume already distributed: PLN 310 million.
3. Support from BGK (Polish Development Bank)
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Joint programs with KredoBank and PrivatBank for SMEs in Ukraine.
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Guarantees worth tens of millions of euros.
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More than 150 loans already issued to Ukrainian firms under EU’s Ukraine Facility (€50 billion program).
Business Protection: The Role of the Ombudsman
Tetyana Korotka, Deputy Business Ombudsman of Ukraine, emphasized that the Council has:
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Processed 14,000 complaints from entrepreneurs;
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Achieved a financial effect of UAH 28 billion;
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Maintains 97% satisfaction among applicants.
This institution is a crucial tool for eliminating obstacles and protecting businesses during wartime.
International Support and IRC Activities
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) reported:
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€25 million in financial support distributed to Ukrainians since February 2022;
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55,000 Ukrainians assisted in Poland;
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150 small businesses received grants totaling PLN 2 million;
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Example: Ukrainian confectionery “Five Cakes” in Katowice, opened by a refugee thanks to grant funding.
Networking and New Partnerships
The conference also included:
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A lottery with symbolic gifts from PUIG, UNHCR, and partners;
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A performance by opera singer Serhiy Ivanchuk, which added cultural resonance to the business forum;
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An exhibition of Ukrainian brands, networking sessions, and informal meetings that fostered new partnerships.
Key Takeaways for Ukrainian Entrepreneurs
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Loans up to PLN 10 million with low interest rates (1.75%) open new financing options.
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Grants and contributions worth hundreds of millions are available for projects linked to reconstruction and economic cooperation.
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BGK and EU programs create favorable conditions for cross-border investments.
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Ukrainian entrepreneurs are already an active part of Poland’s economy, creating jobs and contributing taxes.
✅ Conclusion
The PUIG conference “City – Space for Business” demonstrated that Poland is becoming a financial and economic bridge for Ukrainian business and reconstruction projects. With loans, grants, and investment guarantees, as well as active support from EU programs, Ukrainian entrepreneurs gain access to tools that can accelerate growth, both in Poland and in Ukraine.
