Tbilisi, Georgia
March 10,16- 17, 2026
Anu-Mall Naarits, CEO of Visionest Institute and program mentor, welcomed the participants and emphasized the broader impact of the initiative:
“I would say that this initiative is a great success, and I am very thankful to Europe for focusing on the development and export of services, especially for countries that are a bit more remote from European markets. It is so important that we not only consider physical goods but also explore how we can collaborate in providing different services- exporting the experience, knowledge, creativity, and perspective of our marketing agencies. During the training, the creative service companies we met demonstrated that they are up to date with the latest technologies and very results-oriented. Supporting them through targeted training makes a lot of sense, as many are already prepared to enter the international market. Some may initially gain experience in other markets before approaching Europe, but any international exposure will strengthen their capacity, resilience, and long-term sustainability. Overall, this first experience of cooperation is a positive step that lays the foundation for deeper collaboration between European and Georgian service sectors.”
Over three days of online and onsite sessions, participants learned to define and communicate their unique value propositions, strengthen their competitive positioning for EU markets, and apply practical strategies for international client acquisition. Guidance on digital B2B outreach, LinkedIn optimization, and AI-assisted lead generation was complemented by exercises such as identifying potential international clients and improving websites, portfolios, and messaging. These activities provided actionable insights into what European clients expect and how agencies can demonstrate credibility and results abroad.
The program further addressed service delivery and export business planning, introducing tools and workflows for managing international clients efficiently. Participants practiced setting up communication and project management systems, automating processes, and developing export-focused business models. Advice on pricing, revenue strategies, and ROI analysis equipped agencies to design sustainable growth plans for international markets.
Artem Daniliants, growth marketing and international business development expert, reflected on the workshop’s practical approach:
“The marketing group already had strong creative skills. What they needed was a practical way to find partners abroad and reach out to them. We spent the sessions working through real tools for partner search and AI-assisted outreach, and by the end, people were already building lists of actual companies in their target markets. That’s the part I like most about these workshops: you walk away with something you can use on Monday morning.”
At the end of the program, a graduation ceremony recognized participants’ dedication and achievements. Certificates awarded by Visionest Institute reflected the practical competencies and international readiness participants demonstrated throughout the workshop.
Following the workshop, seven standout agencies were selected for in-depth mentorship at the end of March. This mentorship will be guided by Visionest Institute and supported by international experts, including Nils Kajander, a creative director and brand strategist with extensive experience in multi-market brand launches, and Dan Mikkin, a service design and sustainable innovation expert from Estonia. These mentors will guide agencies in refining their international positioning, packaging services, and preparing for European markets.
The mentorship phase will also include a fully funded study visit to Estonia and Finland in April 2026, where selected participants will gain first-hand exposure to European market practices, client engagement strategies, and international business networks. This next step will help agencies develop clear export strategies, strengthen their competitive positioning, and confidently approach clients abroad.
By combining practical training, targeted mentoring, and international exposure, the “Creative Services Export” workshop and follow-up mentorship exemplify how Georgian creative agencies can successfully expand beyond local markets. Participants leave equipped not only with technical and strategic skills but also with the confidence and insights necessary to build thriving, export-oriented businesses.
Photo credit: UNDP Georgia / Nino Zedgenidze