Today, it is crucial for war veterans to start their own businesses, as it provides an opportunity to find themselves in civilian life on the entrepreneurial path, to unite with their comrades, and to socialize.
Working together makes it easier to help one another, especially with advice based on personal experiences.
After returning from the front lines, soldiers who have endured tough battles often doubt whether they should start their own small business, what to do, and whom to approach for grant support.
Oleksii Kryvopysha, a serviceman who has been defending Ukraine for ten years, advises his comrades not to hesitate in launching even small commercial projects. He demonstrates this through his own concrete example, as discussed in the latest episode of the YouTube project Kashtan.Business.
Oleksii's military biography began in 2014 when he volunteered to go to the front. These were the early months of the Anti-Terrorist Operation. Together with his comrades, he liberated the village of Pisky in the Donetsk region from Russian forces and sustained a severe gunshot wound to his leg. After treatment in the hospital, he returned to service.
1 The idea of starting his own business came to Oleksii before the full-scale invasion. In 2021, he applied for a grant aimed at supporting veterans and received it. However, the large-scale war prevented him from launching his venture. In the initial days of the invasion, Oleksii once again took up arms to defend Ukraine alongside his comrades. It was only later, in September 2023, that he and his wife launched a production under the brand "MeatBright."
2 This business specializes in producing meat jerky and sausages. Since Oleksii serves in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a significant portion of the business responsibilities has been taken on by his wife. She handles marketing, social media, and production processes.
In a conversation with journalists from Kashtan.Business, Oleksii shared that he had wanted to start his own business since childhood. His childhood dreams could finally be realized in adulthood when he became passionate about the idea of organizing a football club.
3 “I founded it, but the project stopped – says Oleksii. – I went off to study… However, the realization of the idea of producing meat jerky and sausages has been successful. This idea arose even before the full-scale invasion. It began with me applying for a grant from government structures. I underwent training, secured this grant, and received the necessary equipment – this happened two days before the full-scale Russian invasion. Of course, I had to postpone the production launch.
My comrades and I, as volunteers, went back to where it was hot – we defended Chernihiv, and then we were sent to other sections of the front.
In September 2023, I finally started my business with my wife in Kyiv.
We decided to open up anyway because I hope that the war will end sooner or later. And what should a veteran do after returning from the front? Look for a job? The best option is to have your own business.”
Oleksii enthusiastically discusses the important nuances of his business. For instance, developing the right recipe and flavor profile for the products was the most challenging aspect. Nevertheless, they managed to find the perfect balance of taste and other properties.
4 According to Oleksii, the enterprise has a good supplier of quality meat. The products are processed and prepared very professionally at the facility, adhering to necessary technologies… They use all-natural ingredients, including various additives. This is very important because jerky is a product consumed by military personnel, athletes, and children alike.
5 The majority of the firm's orders come through social media. Customer trust is what characterizes this production.
In the future, the couple plans to acquire more equipment and scale the business. Oleksii and his wife firmly believe that they will be able to realize their plans. Like millions of Ukrainians, they are convinced that they will overcome the ominous enemy. And then, broader opportunities will open up for entrepreneurs.
Watch the new episode of the YouTube project Kashtan.Business for more.