On March 28, we held the final session of the program CONNECT: Export readiness, EU network expansion and resilience enhancement of Ukrainian SMEs, dedicated to representatives of the Ukrainian textile sector. This initiative, implemented with the support of the European Union and the German Government, marked a significant step toward integrating Ukrainian companies into European business networks.
A total of nine leading Ukrainian textile companies participated in the program:
PJSC “Edelvika”, K.Tex LLC, PJSC “Uzhhorod Garment Factory” (TM Parada), ANNABO, Spunrise LLC, LLC “VG Holding”, Sumykamvol LLC, PE TIS Group Promin, and LLC “VARNO”.
With guidance from international mentors Andrew Paterson and Anu-Mall Narits, participants not only gained in-depth knowledge of the European market landscape but also received practical tools for building effective export strategies.
The program launched in late December 2024 with a competitive selection process and a series of online workshops.
Under the mentorship of Andrew Paterson, participants explored core topics such as:
▪️ Product certification requirements
▪️ Pricing strategies
▪️ Competitor analysis
▪️ Market entry barriers
These sessions laid a strong foundation for the next stages.
The second phase was a five-day study tour to Germany (January 14–18), during which the group visited Warsaw, Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt, and Mersstetten, covering over 4,000 kilometers in just a few days. Key highlights included:
- A visit to the Bullmer factory in Mersstetten, where participants explored cutting-edge automated solutions for the textile industry.
- Participation in Heimtextil 2025 in Frankfurt — a key international trade fair — which provided insights into market trends, competitors, and potential partners. Prior to the event, participants completed interactive assignments to help them focus on strategic opportunities and make the most of their visit.
- A hybrid-format workshop in Cologne, featuring three top-tier experts:
▪️ Klaus Grönefeld discussed adapting products to German standards and consumer expectations.
▪️ Anu-Mall Narits delivered a masterclass on neuromarketing, helping participants better understand consumer behavior and fine-tune their marketing strategies.
▪️ Andrew Paterson led a session on export strategy development, focusing on unique value propositions and EU funding opportunities.
The tour culminated in a store-check in Cologne’s retail chains, allowing companies to gain hands-on insights into the realities of the German market.
🚆💬 Even travel time was used productively — with onboard interactive sessions, mentoring discussions, and open networking that fostered collaboration and idea exchange.
🧩 In February and March, participants engaged in one-on-one sessions with Andrew Paterson to develop detailed export strategies.
They analyzed their strengths and weaknesses, identified their most promising products, and explored optimal funding sources. On March 28, Andrew wrapped up the program by sharing final recommendations for each company’s path forward.
📌 CONNECT was more than a training program — it became a bridge linking the Ukrainian textile sector to European markets. Participants are now equipped not just with knowledge, but with practical tools for long-term success in the EU.
Business doesn’t wait — it acts. And Ukrainian textile companies are doing exactly that. 💪🌍
We sincerely thank the European Union, the Government of Germany, and every program participant for their commitment and collaboration on this ambitious initiative.
We’re proud of what these companies have achieved — and confident their success will inspire many more Ukrainian businesses to follow. 🙏🎉
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The Project “CONNECT: Export readiness, EU network expansion and resilience enhancement of Ukrainian SMEs” is implemented by the Visionest Institute within the international cooperation programme “EU4Business: SME Recovery, Competitiveness and Internationalisation” is co-financed by the European Union and the German Government and is implemented by the German federal company “Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH”.
The programme aims to support Ukraine’s economic resilience, recovery and growth, create better conditions for the development of Ukrainian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as well as support innovation and exports. Read more: www.eu4business.org.uaThe content of this publication is the sole responsibility of Visionest Institute and does not necessarily reflect the position of the European Union, the German Government, or GIZ.
