On August 27, Polissia National University in Zhytomyr became the stage for the launch of Unite for Trade – a 12-month international business development initiative led by Visionest Institute (Estonia) in partnership with Ukraine’s Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office under the national Diia.Business project, and the Honorary Consulate of Estonia in Zhytomyr. The project is financed by Estonian Center for International Development – ESTDEV.
More than 100 entrepreneurs, officials, and international partners gathered to mark a new chapter for Zhytomyr’s economy.
While much attention has been given to export opportunities, the program’s essence runs deeper: it is about creating integrated value chains among companies in Zhytomyr region and beyond. By connecting smaller enterprises with larger businesses and linking regional industries with international markets, Unite for Trade aims to foster a resilient business ecosystem that generates jobs, attracts investment, and builds long-term competitiveness.
As Anu-Mall Naarits, CEO of Visionest Institute, explained:
“Unite for Trade is about building reliable supply chains here in Zhytomyr, creating new partnerships, and then using that strength to reach global markets.”
Two Groups, One Ecosystem
The program targets two complementary groups of participants:
- Export-oriented businesses with prior international experience, ready to expand to new markets and strengthen their global presence.
- Up to 80 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking to grow, build capacity, and position themselves as reliable suppliers and partners for larger regional companies.
This dual approach ensures that growth is not limited to established exporters but cascades across the entire local economy.
“Unite for Trade is a bridge,” added Naarits.
“It connects companies of different sizes, sectors, and levels of experience – strengthening value chains within the region while also opening doors to international markets. Export is part of the story, but the real goal is collaboration and competitiveness.”
Messages from Regional Leaders
Opening remarks came from Kostiantyn Lopushanskyi, Deputy Head of Zhytomyr Regional Military Administration for Digital Development; Halyna Shymanska, Secretary of Zhytomyr City Council; and Oleksii Hrushetskyi, Deputy Director of the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office.
Lopushanskyi underlined the link between technology and international growth:
“Digital transformation and internationalization cannot be separated. To compete globally, companies must first build efficient partnerships at home. Unite for Trade helps businesses integrate both locally and internationally.”
Shymanska emphasized the ripple effect of competitiveness:
“When local companies form strong supply chains and compete abroad, the benefits extend across the community—more jobs, stronger institutions, and sustainable growth.”
Learning, Networking, and Value Creation
Over the next year, participants will engage in:
- Educational modules on leadership, ESG, export readiness, financial planning, marketing, and risk management.
- Business clubs and forums to build supplier–buyer partnerships.
- Study visits to leading companies in Zhytomyr to observe international quality and sustainability standards in action.
- International networking, including online forums and a 2026 study tour to Estonia for 15 of the most active participants.
“The uniqueness of this program lies in its ecosystem approach,” explained Mariia Polianovska, Project Manager.
“We are not only preparing exporters but also enabling local SMEs to become trusted suppliers. This way, value chains strengthen from within, while doors remain open to the world.”
Learning from Success: Alumni Stories
The event also spotlighted entrepreneurs who had already benefited from Visionest’s earlier initiatives. Ivan Stuzhuk, Development Manager of ALEXANDER I YA LLC and co-owner of ECOBIN DYNAMICS LLC, and Dmytro Michurin, founder of D.M. NATIONAL LLC, described how the Ukraine Rebuilding Task Force program transformed their approach to innovation and growth.
Michurin emphasized the significance of collaboration:
“Participating in these projects not only provides knowledge but also fosters a collaborative environment where teamwork leads to innovative solutions. Networking is another valuable aspect of the program organized by Visionest Institute. I truly see myself as an ambassador for this initiative, and I believe that this new project will strengthen my region, making it more powerful and competitive. Thank you, Estonia, for supporting us; it means a great deal.”
“Hot” discussions: Challenges to Export and Value Creation
One of the day’s most dynamic moments was a panel discussion exploring both obstacles and opportunities on the path to internationalization. Moderated by Oleksii Hrushetskyi, the session featured Tetiana Riaboshapko (PJSC VKF Lesya), Ruslan Vdovenko (Ekta-Prom), and Dmytro Koshevych (Rud).
The dialogue highlighted structural barriers but also new possibilities – from niche markets to regional specialisation. A significant part of the debate focused on private label models and on identifying both strengths and weaknesses of the Zhytomyr region.
The conclusion was clear: Zhytomyr businesses have the capacity to unite and deliver high-quality products that are competitive not only in Ukraine but globally.
Tools, Resources, and Capital
Attention then turned to the resources available to businesses. Oleksii Hrushetskyi outlined the work of the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office in partnership with Diia.Business.
Halyna Korinna, Director of Zhytomyr Regional Employment Center, reported that since the beginning of the war, more than ₴450 million has been invested in business development programs across the region – supporting over 1,500 entrepreneurs and securing or creating over 6,200 jobs.
Natalia Zakusylo, Deputy Director of Oschadbank’s regional SME division, presented preferential loans and grants, while investor Bruce Talley (Destination Ukraine) stressed the role of trust in attracting international capital:
“Foreign investors are watching Ukraine closely. Programs like Unite for Trade can provide the assurance they need – by showing that companies here are prepared, connected, and capable.”
Outlook: From Local to Global
By August 2026, Unite for Trade aims to develop a new generation of businesses. The objective is the creation of a sustainable regional ecosystem aligned with European quality and standards.
As the event concluded, Anu-Mall Naarits summed up the journey ahead:
“Resilience has been the strength of Ukrainian businesses. Unite for Trade will transform resilience into collaboration, and collaboration into competitiveness.”
The formal program gave way to informal conversations, with entrepreneurs from multiple sectors exchanging ideas and building the first threads of new partnerships.
For many, the day felt like more than a conference – it was a promise. As Kyrylo Onatskyi, one of the selected participants, put it:
“I am convinced that strength lies in uniting entrepreneurs. This program will help us find partners, share experiences, and grow stronger together.”
With Unite for Trade, Zhytomyr is positioning itself as a hub of entrepreneurial strength – ready not just to survive, but to thrive in international markets.
The Unite for Trade program is developed and implemented by Visionest Institute in Ukraine (Estonia) in cooperation with the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office under the national Diia.Business project, and the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Estonia in Zhytomyr. The program is financed by ESTDEV — the Estonian Centre for International Development.
