On March 12, Kyiv hosted a presentation showcasing the outcomes of grant support provided through the EU4Business international cooperation program. During the event, 12 Ukrainian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) shared their achievements in entering European markets and driving innovation.
Last year, these SMEs received €480,000 from the EU and the German government to develop their projects. The grant program has played a crucial role in helping Ukrainian businesses recover, grow, and integrate into the European market, unlocking new opportunities for sustainable development. The UN Global Compact in Ukraine led the implementation of the program.
Event Opening and Key Speakers
The event featured opening remarks from:
- Henrik Witfeldt, Head of Section for Public Finance, Business Support, and Social Policy, Delegation of the European Union to Ukraine;
- Hagen Ettner, Director of the EU4Business Program, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH;
- Tatiana Sakharuk, CEO of the UN Global Compact in Ukraine;
- Oleksandr Vasyltchuk, Deputy Director of the Department of Regulatory Policy and Entrepreneurship – Head of the Entrepreneurship Development and Support Department, Ministry of Economy of Ukraine.
Panel Discussion: Success Stories and Challenges for SMEs
A key part of the event was a panel discussion, bringing together representatives from participating SMEs and independent experts. They shared real-world success stories and addressed the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in Ukraine.
The panelists included:
- Tatiana Sherman, Independent Expert of the Grant Program, Head of Marketing and Communications at Academy DTEK;
- Yevhen Borodin, Head of the SME Center in the Retail Sales Department at UKRSIBBANK BNP Paribas Group;
- Yaroslava Moskalenko, CEO of STIF Eastern Europe;
- Roman Kvashenko, Founder and CEO of Wanted Vegan.
The Importance of Entering International Markets: STIF Eastern Europe’s Perspective
The program's results have been a key driver for our company in exploring Eastern European markets. Expanding into international markets requires not only compliance with European standards but also a proactive approach to building international partnerships and investing in technological development. Innovation, effective marketing, and strategic planning are the three key pillars for successfully integrating Ukrainian businesses into the European market.
Key Takeaways from the Event
The grant program has had a significant positive impact on the development of Ukrainian enterprises. Participants shared their experiences of expanding their businesses, entering international markets, and enhancing their innovative solutions. The event reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation in driving Ukraine’s economic growth.
One of the standout aspects of the event was networking among participants. Entrepreneurs from various industries had the opportunity to discuss potential partnerships, exchange ideas, and identify new collaboration opportunities. This engagement helped foster valuable connections that will contribute to the long-term success of their businesses both locally and globally.
Ukrainian businesses and manufacturers once again demonstrated their competitiveness, adaptability, and innovation. Despite ongoing challenges, Ukrainian entrepreneurs continue to showcase professionalism, resilience, and determination to integrate into global markets. Initiatives like this grant program help Ukrainian companies establish a stronger international presence and gain well-deserved recognition worldwide.