On 10 November, Kyiv became the meeting point for knowledge, collaboration and ambition as we celebrated the graduation of the Export Alliance Mastery programme — a journey that united 10 Ukrainian business support organisations and set a new benchmark for export advisory excellence 🇪🇪🇺🇦.
For 1.5 years, this programme brought together teams committed to strengthening their institutions, expanding their expertise and supporting Ukrainian companies on their path to global markets.
Export Alliance Mastery was built on a multi-level training framework that combined institutional strengthening, professional development and real-world application. Between September 2024 and June 2025, participating BSOs completed a sequence of seven comprehensive modules covering:
- organisational capacity development
- service portfolio design and optimisation
- sectoral market research and analysis
- export readiness assessment
- advisory methodologies for market-entry planning
- communication, outreach and client engagement
- monitoring, evaluation and impact tracking
The programme’s curriculum was intentionally structured to improve both internal BSO systems and the expertise of individual specialists, ensuring that the newly acquired knowledge translated into sustainable institutional practices.
In August 2025, BSOs undertook a three-day study visit to Tallinn, Estonia, where they met with local institutions, export promotion organisations, innovation agencies and policy experts.
Upon returning to Ukraine, participants entered an intensive internship phase lasting from August to November 2025. Each BSO developed market-entry strategies for 3–5 companies within a dedicated sector, supported by biweekly mentorship from international experts.
At graduation, BSOs presented their findings and recommendations through professionally prepared video presentations, demonstrating an advanced level of analytical depth, communication clarity and sectoral understanding.
The graduation event in Kyiv gathered programme participants, international trainers and representatives of governmental and diplomatic institutions. Among the invited speakers were:
- Toomas Tiirs, Counsellor for Cooperation, Reconstruction and Cybersecurity, Embassy of Estonia in Kyiv
- Oleksii Grushetskyi, Acting Director, Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office (EEPO)
- Anu-Mall Narits, CEO of the Visionest Institute and lead trainer of the programme.
The Visionest Institute team — including programme coordinator Aigi Young and project manager Kati Järg — also joined the event in person, underlining the institutional commitment to supporting Ukraine’s BSO ecosystem.
All participants who completed the programme received internationally verified certificates, recognising their commitment, achievements and readiness to deliver enhanced export services within their respective regions.
The atmosphere was filled with everything that makes milestones meaningful:
✨ genuine emotions
✨ warm conversations and networking
✨ applause and recognition
✨ anticipation of new opportunities
Programme evaluation results demonstrate clear and measurable progress across multiple dimensions:
- 9.2 / 10 — Impact on BSO service development
Participants reported significant improvements in the quality, scope and structure of services offered to SMEs. - 8.8 / 10 — Impact on individual professional growth
The programme strengthened participants’ confidence and capability to apply export advisory tools. - 70 SMEs supported through free consultations and tailored guidance.
- 1.3 million combined communication reach generated by BSO participants.
- 2,802 new followers gained through communication campaigns.
- 2,300+ publications and outreach materials produced.
- 10 sectoral export strategies delivered for companies targeting priority markets.
These results are more than numbers — they represent stronger institutions, more confident teams and better support for Ukrainian exporters.
We are proud of every organisation that completed this journey:
Kharkiv IT Cluster, Ukrainian HoReCa Cluster, West Ukraine Digital, Energy Freedom Cluster, U-Food Association, Fashion Park Ukraine, Zaporizhzhia CCI, Dnipro CCI, Poltava Regional Development Agency, and all partners who shaped this programme.
Export Alliance Mastery demonstrated that when institutions evolve, entire ecosystems evolve with them. By strengthening internal systems, enhancing consulting methodologies and expanding international cooperation, Ukrainian BSOs are now better equipped to guide companies toward diversification, global market expansion and long-term economic resilience.
The graduation marks the conclusion of the formal training programme, but it also signals the beginning of a deeper collaboration. The alumni network formed during the programme is expected to continue exchanging knowledge, sharing practices and supporting SMEs across Ukraine.
Visionest Institute remains committed to advancing the professional capacity of Ukraine’s business-support infrastructure and to fostering long-term partnerships that contribute to the country’s economic recovery and growth.
Together, we build capabilities. Together, we shape global opportunities.
Export Alliance Mastery: Центр розвитку Експортної Потужності project is developed by Visionest Institute Estonia and implemented in cooperation with Ukraine’s Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office within the framework of the Diia. Business Ukrainian national project. The project is supported by ESTDEV – Estonian Centre for International Development
