The State Operator for Non-Lethal Acquisition (SONLA) has created an educational series titled “Involved: How Businesses Can Become Suppliers for the Armed Forces of Ukraine.” This step-by-step guide is designed for Ukrainian entrepreneurs who wish to contribute to supporting the military.
In the series, experts from SONLA, Prozorro, the Ministry of Defense, and the Ministry of Economy explain how defense procurement works, what is required to participate in tenders, how to prepare documents, fulfill contracts, and ensure product quality. The series is now available on the Diia.Education platform and will soon launch on the Diia.Business portal.
"Our goal is to create a transparent and understandable process for government procurement so that every Ukrainian entrepreneur has the opportunity to support the army. This series is a concrete step toward increasing high-quality supplies for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as strengthening Ukraine's economy," noted Rustem Umerov, Minister of Defense of Ukraine.
This is the first of its kind in Ukraine and aims to make the defense procurement market open and accessible to Ukrainian businesses. The series helps companies become part of national defense, expand their markets, and make a practical contribution to strengthening Ukraine.
The educational series was developed by SONLA in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Digital Transformation, the Office for Entrepreneurship Development and Export, the All-Ukrainian Economic Platform "Made in Ukraine," and the Prozorro electronic public procurement system, with support from the UK Special Defense Advisor project for the Diia.Education platform and the Diia.Business portal.
"The government aims to involve more Ukrainian enterprises in logistical procurement, as it creates new opportunities for businesses. Currently, 80% of the companies supplying the Armed Forces operate in Ukraine, providing jobs for our people. Importantly, approximately 40% of the value of Ukrainian products returns to the budget and supports security and defense. The educational series by SONLA will help businesses wishing to join in supplying the army learn how to do so," said Nadia Bigun, Deputy Minister of Economy of Ukraine.
State procurement is not just a tool for supplying the army—it is an opportunity for businesses to scale, support the national economy, and maintain jobs, especially during wartime. In 2024, 45 new suppliers joined the procurement processes for the Armed Forces, and more than 150 Ukrainian companies are currently SONLA contractors. This number could grow thanks to clear tools and informational support provided by the “Involved” educational series.
"We strive to be as transparent as possible for Ukrainian entrepreneurs participating in public procurement. Businesses ready to supply quality products must understand the primary requirements. This series provides all the necessary information to take the first step or confidently continue on the chosen path," said Arsen Zhumadilov, General Director of SONLA.
The educational series consists of nine episodes covering all aspects of business cooperation with the Armed Forces—from registration in Prozorro to contract fulfillment.
Key topics include:
- How the defense procurement system works in Ukraine;
- Requirements for suppliers;
- How to prepare documents correctly;
- Working with Prozorro;
- How the quality of supplies for the Armed Forces is controlled.
"We aim to create an accessible market where Ukrainian businesses can join in providing the Armed Forces with quality products. The educational series we’ve developed serves as a practical guide, helping not only to understand how defense procurement works—from finding requests and preparing contracts to delivery—but also offering an opportunity for businesses to grow and become part of the profound changes in the country," emphasized Andrii Remizov, Director of the Office for Entrepreneurship Development and Export.
The main goal of the series is to help Ukrainian businesses understand every stage of participation in state procurement and make the process transparent and accessible.
The educational series was created by SONLA for owners of small, medium, and large businesses capable of supplying goods for the Armed Forces—from clothing and food to fuel and equipment. It is also useful for newcomers planning to enter this field and for public organizations monitoring procurement processes.
“Involved: How Businesses Can Become Suppliers for the Armed Forces of Ukraine” is available on the Diia.Education platform and will soon be accessible on the Diia.Business portal. Join now to be part of the changes shaping Ukraine's future.
