Maria Bubnova is the owner of the company “Nova Kukhnya” (New Kitchen). Even before the full-scale war, she successfully ran a business in Mariupol. However, after the start of the Russian invasion, her business was destroyed and her family was forced to flee abroad. Later, Maria decided to return to Ukraine — to the city of Slavutych. There, she started everything from scratch, this time with the support of a state grant program for processing enterprises. She shared her experience, challenges, and new beginning in an exclusive interview.
— Maria, please tell us about your company. How long have you been operating on the Ukrainian market? Do you work with foreign markets?
Answer:
My business, a family enterprise, started in 2011 in Mariupol, where I lived until March 15, 2022. In 2014, when the war began, we managed to keep the business running. But in 2022, we could not — everything we had in Mariupol was destroyed forever. Today, we have rebuilt the business in Slavutych, launching a new enterprise under a new name — “Nova Kukhnya.” In 2022, we began searching for grant programs to purchase equipment, and on February 1, 2024, we released our new product — ready-to-eat meals in long-shelf-life retort pouches.
We left Mariupol with nothing, without any resources. I spent a year and a half in the Netherlands, submitting applications online. When I saw information about the “Own Business” grant on Facebook, I applied immediately. In the summer of 2023, I returned to Ukraine to implement everything locally.
I received the grant on my third attempt due to certain verification difficulties — the system was not yet fully developed, and my Mariupol registration complicated the process. After changes were made to the regulations, the issue was resolved and I received the grant. I registered as a sole proprietor and, according to the terms, had to hire two employees within six months, which I did.
Overall, over the years the company has received about 18 grants. The state grants include the “Own Business” program, support for processing enterprises from the Ministry of Economy, as well as the “Brave” and “Start” programs. Other grants came from international donors such as USAID, UNDP, GIZ, and the Danish Refugee Council.
— How does grant implementation work? Are there any difficulties future applicants should be aware of?
Answer:
Our accounting and reporting are handled by our accountant. We report employed staff, submit equipment documentation to Oschadbank, and provide photo reports. We have not faced any problems, possibly thanks to constant communication with the employment centers in Slavutych and Kyiv region.
— Who do you report to, and do you plan to apply for new programs?
Answer:
We report to the employment center. If new opportunities arise, I apply. For example, I have recently applied for the “Create” program. Running a business requires significant funds, so we are looking for all possible sources of support.
— How do you assess international grants, particularly EU support during the war?
Answer:
I am very grateful for such programs. The requirements are clear, and there were no major problems except for a serious crisis with USAID — they closed the program and failed to deliver one of the critical equipment lines. As a result, the company suffered significant losses. Otherwise, my experience has been entirely positive.
— What exactly does your company do, and what products do you manufacture?
Ready-to-eat meals in retort pouches under the “Nova Kukhnya” brand are a convenient, natural, and safe solution for everyday nutrition. Our products are chosen by ordinary people, elderly individuals who are not always able to cook on their own due to health conditions, as well as truck drivers and people who work long hours and lack time to cook at home. We ensure that everyone can quickly enjoy tasty, nutritious food without preservatives or artificial additives.
The company’s activities align with the UN Sustainable Development Goal No. 2, “Zero Hunger,” as we provide access to quality, balanced food for people with limited time or opportunities to prepare meals.
— What challenges do you face as an entrepreneur during the war, and what can help your business?
Answer:
The main challenge is the complete destruction of the business and the loss of established connections. We found ourselves in a new city and had to start from scratch. Support from the Kyiv Regional Military Administration was extremely helpful, particularly from Nataliia Havatiuk, Deputy Head of the Administration, and Aryna Starovoitova, Director of the Slavutych Regional Development Agency. Communication with authorities is a crucial element for small businesses.
— What advice would you give to those who are afraid to apply for grants during the war?
Answer:
Talk about yourself on social media and build a personal brand. Applications are reviewed by people, so write clearly and honestly. Believe in your idea and do not be afraid to apply. The worst-case scenario is not receiving a grant, but you lose nothing. Reporting is actually quite simple. Even my 19-year-old daughter applied for and received the “Own Business” grant on her own. Everything is possible.
Thank you. Wishing you success in your business!
