Entrepreneurs from the Zaporizhzhya region of Ukraine recently had the opportunity to take part in an EU4Business training on export practices and trade financing, organised by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and hosted by the Zaporizhzhya Business Support Centre.
The three-day workshop provided support to SMEs on how to enter new markets, while focusing on payment methods and financing options to support increased export and growth.
The course was led by international trainer Jonathan Jan Walden, who brought 35 years of experience in international trade and logistics activities.
"If you cannot plan, your plan for success will not happen," Walden told participants in Zaporizhia, stressing that export requires a detailed action plan, and that exporters must constantly update their knowledge, be aware of new market opportunities and be able to manage their financial responsibilities.
Participants were enthusiastic about the training: “Our company specialises in international transportation,” said Anton Kravchenko of the Yuzhtrans Group. “For us, the search for customers and familiarity with new export standards are really important. This training allowed us to learn about new aspects, Jonathan shared experiences, brought cases from his own practice - this is very interesting.”
Aleksey Yelnikov of Yug Agro Zapchast LTD sells spare parts within Ukraine. “At the same time, we plan to enter foreign markets and have already drawn up the relevant documents. Such training is necessary for development, preparation, which will help to avoid mistakes,” he said.
Elena Didenko of Silcor LLC said the training had been informative and interesting, with lots practical examples and comprehensive answers to their questions. “It is very important for us. The company is engaged in the sale of various chemical products, including for export. We strive to develop, to enter new markets. We are currently considering the possibility of entering the Middle East market,” she said.
In a few months’ time, the interactive communication between the trainer and the graduates from Zaporizhzhya will continue, with individual Skype consultations to follow up on the training.
The Zaporizhzhya Business Support Centre is part of the EU-funded Network of Business Support Centres, which aims to improve the competitiveness and bankability of Ukrainian SMEs through the provision of business advice and capacity building. It also supports BSOs in 15 regions of Ukraine in setting up a network of EU4Business Business Support Centres (BSCs). At least 30,000 SMEs and entrepreneurs benefit from the project