Service Export program in Ukraine

Funding for development cooperation projects from the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The aim of the program was to create an export training system that supports new and existing service sector companies in quickly achieving export capability through the use of digital models.

The created training program system helped small, medium, and micro-enterprises in the service sector to build capacity for sector development and expansion into new markets through digital transformation mentorship recommendations. A total of 616 participants were recruited across Ukraine, with special attention given to the regions of Eastern Ukraine. The program, which was initially paused due to war and then rapidly adapted, received new goals and deadlines and was well received by participants, as it helped companies survive in emergency situations and find new solutions for service development and income preservation.

Impact:

• The project contributed to improving the situation of women and gender equality. Women are more represented in service sector enterprises than men. The program involved 322 women and 294 men, helping to increase women’s entrepreneurship.
• The project contributed to environmental improvement and/or raising awareness of environmental issues. Due to the Covid-19 situation, most planned activities took place online, significantly reducing the ecological footprint.
• The project supported the adoption of ICT solutions. Participants learned to collaborate effectively through various remote work tools. Digital mentors supported the development of digital exports.

The program received a recommendation index of 9.9 from the participants!