In the ever-changing landscape of global commerce, where predictability is a myth, entering new markets is always risky.
Imagine what challenges Ukrainian small and medium companies face because of the full-scale russian invasion. With the loss of domestic market, limited resources, broken logistic chains, and shrinkage of personnel due to relocation, blackouts, and even psychological problems… coupled with lack of experience in highly competitive European markets.
Our Trade Up Export Consulting project, supported by GIZ, emerged not just as a program but as a lifeline for Ukrainian SMEs. It’s a tale of how businesses, with a guidance from international team of export professionals, and a lot of innovation, began punching above their weight on the world stage. In partnership with EU4Business, we started a mission not merely to help them survive in the storm of uncertainties but to sail through it to the new horizons.
We had a simple, yet ambitious goal at the heart of our adventure: to find Ukrainian SMEs, motivated to enter new markets, arm them with the tools to expand their borders through exports, and inspire them to work hard. An individual export solution for each company, done professionally and within a limited timeframe was our overarching goal.
For the team of Visionest Institute, with its two decades of international projects in marketing, export, and business strategy, it was a challenge but also an inspiration.
Visionest joined forces with Diia.Business to set the stage for this project in the empowerment of Ukrainian SMEs. Out of almost 200 applicants, 45 companies with strong motivation and international ambitions have been welcomed onboard.
Participants represented 15 regions of Ukraine, and worked in diverse sectors ranging from the snack production to wedding fashion and from the cereals to cosmetics.
Our strategy to deliver what’s expected and even more?
Innovation and teamwork!
Agile, through and through.
With the Agile, we were constructing a future brick by brick, like a child with a LEGO set, where every piece matters.
A powerful team of 21 Ukrainian export consultants, backed by the expertise of 4 global mentors, rolled up their sleeves to work together, in small groups and individually with companies. The workshops and research, individual meetings and careful assessments of companies’ resources and export aspirations mapped international opportunities for Ukrainian businesses, and have also turbocharged their capabilities.
Each week added clarity to the companies’ vision of their future in the new markets.
Most of all, the Trade Up team was focused on a pragmatic, results-oriented approach, to tailor an actionable export strategy for each of the participating SMEs.
This is why each strategy is more than paperwork; it is a plan, teeming with market insights, potential partnerships, and tools for effective market penetration. As it is said in one of the testimonials: “…we received practical tools that help us prepare for the launch of exports. For example, the calculation of the export price, contacts of the best logistics companies, and a well-prepared report with detailed information on entering the French market, with contacts, features, risks, recommendations, etc.
The consultants always did more than the project planned. A personalized approach and a desire to help have always created a trusting relationship.
We received a very important document with the steps to enter the French market. So now we are confidently moving towards our goal”
The project proved once more the resilience and innovative spirit of Ukrainian SMEs, and high professional level of the international project team that succeeded in catering each company what they needed. The innovative Agile approach and a blend of team- and individual work used in the Trade Up design promise to open a new chapter in supporting international ambitions of Ukrainian companies.
5 months.
45 detailed export plans delivered.
A team of professional Export consultants was built.
Alliances between Ukrainian companies were established.
“Tough? Absolutely. Worth it? Without a shadow of a doubt.”
A heartfelt Thank You to our Partners, Consultants, and the Companies that joined us on this epic journey!
Let’s bring Ukrainian businesses to the next level in the international arena!