The Export Academy 2.0, a comprehensive program designed to equip SMEs with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of international trade, has successfully concluded. A recent evaluation of participant performance revealed significant improvements in various areas of export readiness, indicating the program’s effectiveness in empowering businesses to expand their global reach.
Introduction
In today’s interconnected global economy, SMEs face increasing pressure to expand their operations beyond domestic markets. However, navigating the complexities of international trade can be daunting, requiring a deep understanding of market dynamics, cultural nuances, and regulatory frameworks. To address these challenges, the Export Academy was launched with the aim of providing SMEs with the essential tools and knowledge to succeed in the global marketplace.
Key Areas of Improvement
The evaluation highlighted substantial growth in several key areas, including:
- Market Understanding: Participants demonstrated enhanced ability to identify suitable export markets, select appropriate market entry models, and develop effective export strategies. For instance, 85% of participants reported improved skills in market research, while 92% felt more confident in selecting appropriate market entry models.
- Brand Building: Scores improved significantly in areas such as building an export brand, adapting products and services, and managing logistics. 78% of participants indicated that they were able to create more effective export brand strategies, and 82% reported improved skills in adapting their products and services for different markets.
- Digital Proficiency: Participants gained proficiency in digital marketing, sales, and using digital tools for export activities. 90% of participants stated that they were more confident in their digital marketing skills, and 85% reported increased use of digital tools for export activities.
- Financial and Legal Knowledge: Understanding of financial management and legal aspects of export increased notably. 88% of participants felt more knowledgeable about financial management for export, and 75% reported improved understanding of legal requirements.
Program Impact
The Export Academy 2.0’s impact on participants was profound, with many reporting significant personal and professional development. A large majority of participants applied the knowledge and skills gained to their businesses, resulting in positive changes such as:
- Comprehensive Approach: Adopting a more holistic approach to export activities. 85% of participants reported that they had implemented a more comprehensive approach to their export activities.
- Company Readiness: Recognizing their company’s readiness for export and implementing necessary changes. 90% of participants stated that they had a better understanding of their company’s readiness for export and had taken steps to improve it.
- Personal Development: Identifying strengths and weaknesses, and seeking collaboration with specialists. 82% of participants reported that they had identified their strengths and weaknesses, and 75% had sought collaboration with specialists to address their areas of weakness.
- Improved Planning: Developing export plans, finding contacts, and enhancing negotiation skills. 95% of participants reported that they had developed more detailed export plans, 88% had identified potential contacts in foreign markets, and 78% had improved their negotiation skills.
- Marketing and Sales: Improving marketing activities, utilizing new terminologies, and focusing on product adaptation. 92% of participants reported that they had improved their marketing activities, 85% were using new terminologies in their export communications, and 78% had adapted their products to better meet the needs of foreign markets.
- Efficiency: Becoming more efficient through the use of digital tools and improved planning. 90% of participants reported that they were using digital tools more effectively, and 85% had improved their planning processes.
A Successful Graduation Ceremony
The Export Academy 2.0 program concluded with a successful graduation ceremony on June 20th. Over 50 participants received their international certificates and European-style online certificates, marking the end of their intensive learning journey.
The ceremony was preceded by a day of final export plan presentations, where participants showcased their progress and achievements. The atmosphere was warm and celebratory, reflecting the hard work and dedication of all involved.
Distinguished Guests and Mentors
The graduation ceremony was graced by the presence of several distinguished guests and mentors, including:
- Anu-Mall Naarits: CEO of Visionest Institute
- Triin Parts: Senior Economic and Political Counsellor at the Estonian Embassy in Kyiv
- Oleksii Hrushetskyi: Deputy Director of the Office for Entrepreneurship and Export Development
- International Coaches: Artem Daniliants, Jaan Järv, Jean Sutton, Violetta Loziuk
- Coaching Team: Anastasiia Bytko, Oksana Tverdokhlibova
A Journey of Growth and Development
The Export Academy 2.0 program began on October 24th and spanned over 8 months. Participants dedicated 60+ hours to studying and self-study, completed 7 training modules, participated in 7 practical workshops, and received individual feedback.
Throughout the program, participants actively networked with fellow students and coaches, fostering a collaborative and supportive learning environment.
A Clear Path Forward
The graduation ceremony marked a significant milestone for participants, who now have a clear, step-by-step plan for entering their chosen export markets. The program equipped them with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of international trade and build successful export businesses.