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For Ukrainian companies, expanding into international markets is no longer just an ambition; it has become a necessity. However, navigating the complexities of global trade requires more than determination.
Acknowledging this need, the Visionest Institute—an esteemed educational organisation in Estonia which since 2017 has guided over 2000 Ukrainian businesses—launched its new Export Academy 2024. This initiative has already empowered over 130 Ukrainian businesses with the skills and strategies needed to thrive globally.
A high-impact initiative
The third edition of this esteemed programme took place in December 2024 and was financed by the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) in partnership with Ukraine’s Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office and Diia.Business.
Export Academy 2024 offered a structured and intensive curriculum, condensing nearly a year’s worth of export training into just two and a half months. Participants received hands-on guidance in market research, regulatory compliance, risk management, and financial modelling—key components of a successful export strategy.
Delivering tangible results
The programme’s impact was evident both in participation and measurable outcomes:
365 applications were received within a month of the announcement.
80 per cent of applicants successfully commenced the training, with over 130 participants earning internationally recognised certificates.
The curriculum featured seven modules, 14 hours of live feedback sessions, and over 700 completed home assignments.
Many participants developed practical export plans tailored to their businesses, with some securing their first international contracts even before completing the program.
“Export is a long-term journey, and avoiding early mistakes is critical,” explains Violetta Loziuk, the programme’s lead mentor. “This course provides a structured roadmap for businesses to enter and expand into foreign markets.”
Denys Grebenkov, director and co-owner of OVIN, participant of the programme, echoed this sentiment: “I now have a structured export plan for any market. That is the programme’s key takeaway.”
Measuring success: Feedback and skill growth
To assess the programme’s impact, a comprehensive survey was conducted at the end of the training. The results speak volumes:
Overall satisfaction with the programme: 9.15/10
Usefulness of the training: 9.26
Course organisation and event management: 9.21
Information support during training: 9.20
The survey also revealed a significant increase in participants’ competencies:
Market Entry Model – +4.02 points (+130.85%)
Export Risk Management – +3.91 points (+122.57%)
Product Adaptation for Export – +3.34 points (+91.71%)
Branding and Marketing in International Markets – +3.81 points (+104.28%)
How to Identify an Export Market – +3.29 points (+90.52%)
Key skills that showed the most improvement included:
Using analytical tools for market selection – +4.31 points (+127.47%)
Branding and marketing – +3.81 points (+104.28%)
Product adaptation for export – +3.81 points (+100.94%)
A remarkable 91 out of 92 surveyed participants stated they would recommend Export Academy to fellow entrepreneurs, reinforcing its status as a transformative programme for Ukrainian exporters.
Expert mentorship: The people behind the success
One of the key strengths of Export Academy 2024 was its team of seasoned trainers – industry professionals with extensive expertise in both Ukrainian and international trade practices. All mentors and trainers are alumni of Visionest Institute’s specialised programmes and have received additional training in teaching methodology from international experts.
“We are proud of our trainers, who design courses tailored to Ukrainian realities. This year, we focused on maximising localisation, and it was the right decision,” says Anu-Mall Naarits, CEO of Visionest Institute.
“Export Academy exemplifies true synergy between trainers and participants. Working with Ukrainian entrepreneurs has been incredibly inspiring,” shares Valeriia Matvieieva, one of the programme’s trainers. “Their adaptability and drive to succeed in international markets prove that they are ready to compete globally. Being a trainer in such a program is a tremendous responsibility and an even greater pride in our entrepreneurs”.
Trainer ratings reached an impressive 4.9 out of 5, with course materials scoring 4.8—testament to the programme’s high standards and relevance.
Looking ahead: A stronger future for Ukrainian exporters
As Export Academy 2024 wraps up, preparations for the next cohort in early 2025 are already under way. The mission remains clear: to equip Ukrainian businesses with world-class knowledge, practical skills, and a robust network of peers and mentors to support their global expansion.
“We’ve taken another step toward internationalising Ukrainian businesses,” reflects Anu-Mall Naarits. “Our graduates now form a dynamic community of innovators who are ready to navigate the global market.”
Export Academy 2024 has not only provided a critical boost to Ukrainian entrepreneurs but has also reinforced Visionest Institute’s role as a catalyst for international trade success. Amid uncertainty, Ukrainian businesses continue to demonstrate their resilience and readiness to make a lasting impact on the global stage.
Export Academy 2024 in Ukraine 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. This project is supported by ESTDEV – Estonian Centre for International Development.
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