From Local to Global: Ukrainian SMBs Gained Export Strategies Through Summer Webinars

This summer, JEVERA, in collaboration with the Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office and the IT Ukraine Association, hosted a transformative series of webinars designed to help Ukrainian SMBs take their services and products to the global stage. As Ukrainian businesses strive for resilience and growth, these webinars aim to equip them with the knowledge, strategies, and tools to successfully navigate international markets.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or part of a growing company, expanding into global markets might feel overwhelming. But the good news, you’re not alone. This series of webinars brought together top leaders from Ukraine's tech, marketing, and export sectors, all of whom shared actionable insights to guide businesses on their global journey.

Here’s a brief look at what we learned, why it matters, and how you can apply these lessons to your own business.

Must-Know Takeaways You Can’t Miss

1. AI and Custom Large Language Models Are Booming

Businesses worldwide are looking for AI solutions, and custom large language models are in high demand. For Ukrainian companies with a strong tech backbone, this is a golden opportunity to stand out. By investing in AI development, you can position your business as a leader in this space, tapping into the growing demand for custom solutions.

2. Solid Partnerships Are Your Foundation for Global Success

One message came through loud and clear in every session: partnerships are key. You can’t go global alone. From building strong relationships with international clients to creating strategic partnerships in target markets, long-term success depends on who you know and how well you collaborate. Start investing in your network today — those relationships will drive your business growth tomorrow.

3. Understand and Adapt to Cultural Differences

Expanding into new markets means more than just translating your website into another language. It requires a deep understanding of cultural nuances, customer behavior, and business etiquette. Successful exporters take the time to research their target markets, train their teams on cross-cultural communication, and adapt their business practices to fit the local context. In other words, speak your customer’s language — literally and figuratively.

4. Becoming an Expert in Your Domain Is Crucial

Standing out in a crowded global market requires expertise. Businesses that focus on their core strengths and position themselves as specialists in their domain can better scale and succeed internationally. Whether you're offering AI solutions, digital services, or products, knowing where your strengths lie — and making them clear to your audience — is critical to global success.

5. Focus on the First 10% of Customers

In the second webinar, we heard from experts who emphasized how important it is to focus on attracting and retaining your first 10% of customers. These early adopters can make or break your success. They provide critical feedback, shape your offerings, and help spread the word to new markets. Prioritize these customers, listen to their needs, and turn them into loyal brand advocates.

Want More Insights? Watch the Webinar Recordings

If you weren’t able to join us live, don’t miss the chance to gain the same valuable insights that hundreds of businesses have already benefited from. The recordings of all three webinars are available online. Whether you’re looking to fine-tune your export strategy, build stronger international partnerships, or navigate cultural differences, these sessions provide the practical knowledge you need to succeed on the global stage.