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Unite for Trade Business Club: Start of the Building a Culture of Partnership and Growth in Zhytomyr
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On November 11, the Visionest Institute, with the support of ESTDEV, launched a major new initiative under the Unite for Trade program: the first offline Business Club in Zhytomyr. The event brought together 60 entrepreneurs representing small and medium-sized enterprises, export-ready companies, and growing local brands. This gathering marked a significant step toward cultivating a […]
On November 11, the Visionest Institute, with the support of ESTDEV, launched a major new initiative under the Unite for Trade program: the first offline Business Club in Zhytomyr. The event brought together 60 entrepreneurs representing small and medium-sized enterprises, export-ready companies, and growing local brands. This gathering marked a significant step toward cultivating a culture of collaboration, business readiness, and international integration across the Zhytomyr region.
The Business Club was created as a practical space where entrepreneurs could not only learn but also interact, experiment, and co-create partnerships. The inaugural event focused on a topic essential to any business aiming to scale:
“Partnerships as a Strategic Business Competence.”
The session was facilitated by Anastasiia Bytko, CEO of Exporter, co-founder of the social enterprise VILNI, export consultant, and a graduate of Visionest’s flagship programs – Train the Trainers 2.0. Known for her hands-on, energetic training style, Anastasiia led participants through a series of structured exercises and interactive discussions that helped transform theory into action.
From the very beginning, the Business Club embraced experiential learning. Participants engaged in individual and group exercises that focused on:
- Self-presentation and pitching
- Formulating partnership needs
- Identifying complementary business strengths
- Understanding the stages of strategic cooperation
One of the highlights of the session was the partner match game, which encouraged entrepreneurs to explore potential collaborations in real time. Another key tool was the “Partnership Ladder”, designed to help businesses map out concrete steps for building alliances – from initial interest to joint projects and long-term cooperation.
This practical methodology not only energized the room but also enabled participants to identify immediate opportunities for cooperation within the group.
A Joint Opening by Institutional and Regional Leaders
The event opened with welcoming remarks from Anu-Mall Narits, CEO of the Visionest Institute. She emphasized the importance of strengthening regional entrepreneurship and the long-term goals of the Unite for Trade program, which aims to support the economic resilience of Zhytomyr businesses.
She was joined by Pavlo Kuts, Director of the Department of Agro-Industrial Development and Economic Policy of the Zhytomyr Regional State Administration, who highlighted the role of such initiatives in boosting regional competitiveness and export potential.
Maria Polianovska, Project Manager of Unite for Trade, presented the program’s roadmap, including upcoming activities designed to help local businesses access new markets, improve their skills, and build stronger international connections.
A Community of Businesses Ready to Grow
Beyond the official agenda, the Business Club created a vibrant atmosphere where entrepreneurs freely exchanged insights, shared challenges, and discussed potential collaborations. Many participants noted that networking events like these are essential. They provide opportunities not only to find potential partners but also to share business experiences and strategies for navigating challenges, including those posed by the ongoing war.
The mix of industries represented – from manufacturing and food production to services, crafts, and technology – made the discussions particularly dynamic. This diversity encouraged cross-sector cooperation, with several participants initiating talks about possible joint projects.
The launch of the Business Club is only the beginning. As part of the wider Unite for Trade initiative, Visionest Institute, with the support of ESTDEV, will continue delivering tools and opportunities designed to support businesses in Zhytomyr region.
The Unite for Trade program is developed and implemented by Visionest Institute in Ukraine (Estonia) in cooperation with the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office under the national Diia.Business project, and the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Estonia in Zhytomyr. The program is financed by ESTDEV — the Estonian Centre for International Development.
