Business has become more active: the number of new companies is growing
According to the results of the first half of 2026 in Ukraine registered 19,758 new companiesthat on 8% morethan in the same period last year. This is the highest indicator since the beginning of 2024 and indicates a gradual recovery of business activity even in wartime conditions.
For comparison, in the first half of 2025, it was created 18,277 companies, and in 2024 — 18,414.
Closures also increased, but the balance remains positive
Together with the opening of new enterprises, the number of companies that stopped operating also increased. It was liquidated in six months of this year 6,563 legal entities, which is almost on 28% morethan a year earlier.
However, the number of new registrations significantly exceeded the number of closures. As a result the net increase in business amounted to 13,195 companies, which indicates the positive dynamics of the development of entrepreneurship.
Trade and IT have become growth drivers
New enterprises were most actively opened in areas that remain key for the Ukrainian economy.
She became a leader wholesale, where the number of companies increased by 2 304. In second place — IT sector, which has replenished 1,254 new companies. A significant increase was also recorded in the field real estate transactions (+1,104), medium public organizations (+859) and in the field building maintenance (+824).
These areas remain the most attractive for opening a new business.
Not all industries show positive dynamics
Despite the general revival of entrepreneurship, certain areas continue to shrink.
The largest decrease in the number of companies was recorded in the field public administration and defense (-289), education (-282), veterinary activity (-20), water supply (-14), as well as in the field art and creative activity (-11).
Such indicators may indicate structural changes in the market and reorientation of business in more promising directions.
Kyiv remains the main center of business development
The largest growth of new companies traditionally fell on the capital. In Kyiv, the number of enterprises increased by 5,338.
The following are also distinguished among the regions:
- Lviv region — +1,220 companies;
- Dnipropetrovsk region — +1,177 companies.
In general, positive dynamics were demonstrated 23 regions of Ukraine.
At the same time, a decrease in the number of enterprises was observed only in four regions. The frontline regions suffered the greatest losses — Donetsk region (-157) and Luhansk region (-73), which is directly related to the consequences of the war.
Why do companies go out of business?
The main reason for business closure remains voluntary liquidation - ceased operations in this way 3,479 companies, which is more than half of all cases.
Yet 1,410 enterprises were closed through reorganization, 651 companies stopped working within bankruptcy procedures, a 574 enterprises — by a court decision that is not related to bankruptcy.
IN 440 cases the reason for the termination has not yet been specified 9 subjects were liquidated without the status of a legal entity.
Business remains optimistic despite challenges
Despite difficult economic conditions and military risks, Ukrainian business continues to demonstrate resilience. The increase in the number of new companies indicates the preservation of entrepreneurial activity, and the positive balance between open and closed enterprises confirms the gradual recovery of the economy.
According to the results of the latest polls, managers of Ukrainian enterprises continue to expect revitalization of business activity, increasing production volumes and improving prospects for own business development within the next 12 months.
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