Tallinn, Estonia – April, 2026
Transformative Journey and Programme Structure
The ECM Programme delivered a structured and transformative learning experience, combining expert-led modules, mentorship, applied consulting assignments, and international study visits. Over nine months, participants progressed through a rigorous development pathway, strengthening analytical thinking, strategic insight, and practical consulting capabilities aligned with global market demands.
The final phase of the programme took place in Tallinn in April 2026, beginning with closing study visits on 20 April and continuing with an intensive on-site workshop on 21 April delivered by Prof. Uwe Sponholz from the Technische Hochschule Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS), Faculty of Industrial Engineering (FWI). This phase culminated in final presentations delivered by each of the seven teams, showcasing the results of their year-long consulting work, including export strategies and forward-looking business plans. These outcomes demonstrated the integration of theoretical knowledge with real-world application, reinforcing the programme’s practice-oriented methodology. On the same day, participants received structured feedback from mentors Anu-Mall Naarits (CEO of Visionest Institute), Prof. Uwe Sponholz, Andrew Paterson, and Artem Daniliants.
The graduation ceremony, held on 22 April 2026, marked the formal conclusion of this journey. The evening was opened by Visionest Institute CEO Anu-Mall Naarits, whose address reflected on the participants’ sustained engagement, professional growth, and progression from foundational learning to applied consulting practice within an international context.
International Expertise and Practical Learning Environment
The programme was implemented under the strategic leadership of Visionest Institute, ensuring methodological consistency and alignment with international standards. Delivered in partnership with the Estonian Centre for International Development Cooperation (ESTDEV), and supported by the EU-Georgia Business Council (EUGBC) and the University of Georgia, the ECM Programme combined global expertise with regional relevance. Participants from Georgia and Ukraine were awarded full tuition scholarships, reinforcing accessibility and international impact.
Programme coordination was ensured by project managers Krista Kulderknup, Tatia Paradashvili, and Anna Bondar, whose operational oversight supported the effective delivery of all programme components, including training modules, study visits, and participant engagement across the full implementation cycle.
A defining feature of the programme was its strong emphasis on practical learning and real-world exposure. Study visits across Estonia provided direct engagement with leading companies and institutions, enabling participants to gain strategic insights into logistics, wholesale, retail, manufacturing, and digital governance ecosystems.
Engagements with Muuga Harbour, Tradehouse, Kaupmees Group, and Büroomaailm offered comprehensive understanding of supply chains, distribution models, and scalable business operations, while visits to Põhjala Brewery and the e-Estonia Briefing Centre highlighted export-oriented brand development and advanced digital innovation. These immersive experiences ensured that learning remained directly connected to real business environments and international best practices.
Cross-Cultural Collaboration and Programme Impact
The ECM Programme fostered a dynamic and diverse environment, bringing together professionals from Georgia, Ukraine, and Estonia into seven structured teams. This cross-cultural collaboration enabled participants to exchange perspectives, strengthen communication skills, and develop collaborative problem-solving approaches essential for operating in international markets.
The programme delivered measurable impact in strengthening export consulting competencies, combining analytical development, strategic thinking, and practical application. As part of the graduation ceremony, outstanding achievements were recognised through a structured awards nomination process reflecting excellence across key dimensions of performance.
The Grand Winner Award was presented to Horizon Export Agency for outstanding overall performance, while Go International received the Excellence in Client Impact Award for delivering strong consulting outcomes. SilkGate Consulting was recognised with the Women’s Leadership Excellence Award, highlighting impactful leadership within a professional context.
Additional recognitions included the Excellence in Communication Award awarded to TradeWise Five, the Excellence in Innovation & Independent Thinking Award presented to U-Bridge Global, and the Excellence in Strategic Insight Award granted to Export Hub Georgia. Hokohoko Markets received the Rising Impact Award, recognising strong potential and emerging excellence demonstrated throughout the programme.
The graduation of 32 professionals from the first ECM cohort represents a significant contribution to strengthening export capacity across participating countries, equipping participants with the skills and mindset required to support international business development and economic growth.
Looking Ahead
The completion of the Export Consultants Mastery Programme 2025 – 2026 marks a strategic transition from structured learning to long-term professional application. As the first cohort of graduates moves forward, it establishes a strong benchmark for future programme editions and reinforces the value of immersive, practice-oriented international education.
Following the graduation ceremony, Visionest Institute hosted a networking event that brought together alumni, current participants, mentors, and company representatives, providing a unique opportunity to connect, exchange insights, and explore future export and business collaboration opportunities. The gathering fostered meaningful cross-country linkages and encouraged participants to identify potential joint initiatives aimed at strengthening international trade and advancing shared professional development across Georgia, Ukraine, Estonia, and beyond.
The ECM Programme stands as a forward-looking model that integrates training, mentorship, and real-world engagement to develop globally competitive professionals. Visionest Institute, together with its partners, remains committed to advancing initiatives that strengthen international competitiveness, foster professional growth, and contribute to the development of resilient, export-oriented economies.
