“A whirlwind that turned into focus, resilience and a new professional direction”: Ukrainian entrepreneurs inspired by Estonian export programme

The nine-month Export Consultants Mastery Programme, which began in September 2025, was run by Visionest Institute with funding from the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV). The thirty-two participating export consultants from Georgia and Ukraine were divided into six teams. During the programme, they worked with Estonian and international experts to solve real life business cases for SMEs from their respective countries. At the same time, they developed a business plan for a consultancy business.  

One of the teams was Alona Voznenko, Nadiia Rak, Oleksandr Pietushkov, Oleksandra Sologub, and Sergiy Smirnov, Ukrainian professionals from diverse backgrounds in export, business development, project management and international cooperation, who combined their strengths to create U-Bridge Global. 

Throughout the programme, the U-Bridge Global team worked with real businesses from different industries, developing tailored export strategies and addressing practical challenges related to international market expansion. By combining expertise in export development, project management, digital marketing, operations, and international cooperation, the team demonstrated how fresh ideas, independent thinking and collaborative problem-solving can create meaningful value for companies looking to grow internationally. 

“This cohort in Export Consultants Mastery was exciting as we could bring together participants from different countries. As several strong export consultancy companies were created after the programme, the participants formed a strong international network to use their diverse backgrounds to develop future cooperation,” said Anu-Mall Naarits, the CEO of the Visionest Institute. “U-Bridge Global was one of the teams that solved all the business cases efficiently, found innovative approaches and grew to a team ready to continue independently after our programme.” 

Pietushkov's motivation to join the programme was simple: to move from experience to mastery. “I had worked with projects, certification and EU standards for years, but I wanted to see the full export-consulting picture: market analysis, digital tools, logistics, sales, negotiations and client communication. I expected a lot of learning, but I did not fully expect the intensity. It was not just 'listen and write notes'; it was learn, practice, rethink, rewrite, present, and do it again. That rhythm kept me going,” he said. 

Challenges along the way 

Parts of the programme coincided with intense shelling in Kyiv, blackouts and cold days but that did not stop the participants from pushing ahead to pursue their goals. “The programme unexpectedly became a source of focus and stability. The team rhythm, mentor sessions, client meetings and preparation gave me a constructive line to hold on to. We overcame the pressure by staying organised, supporting each other and continuing step by step. Sometimes progress itself becomes a form of resilience,” said Pietushkov. 

A special reward 

U-Bridge Global’s innovative approach, collaborative spirit and ability to explore new perspectives in solving complex business challenges were recognised with the Excellence in Innovation & Independent Thinking Award presented at the graduation ceremony in Tallinn in May 2026.  

“The award felt very emotional for me, because it recognised not only the final result but the whole journey behind it. We started as people who met only during the intro meeting, and by graduation we had become a real team. I think our success came from fast coordination, trust and the ability to solve problems without drama. Everyone contributed from their own strength, and this helped us move forward even when tasks were difficult or the deadlines were tight,” said Sologub. 

According to the participants’ feedback, learning how to structure knowledge amidst uncertainty was the most valuable part of the experience. As Pietushkov put it, the Export Consultants Mastery Programme was “a whirlwind that turned into focus, resilience and a new professional direction.” 

“Having a good product is only the starting point for export success. Companies also need the right market intelligence, compliance knowledge, business networks, and strategic support. That is why providing such a support through experts will create a lasting multiplier effect and help SMEs receive the support they need to transform ambition into international growth,” said Reesi Lepa, ESTDEV’s head of Economic Development and Innovation. 

In 2023, the Export Consultants Mastery Programme was recognized by the European Training Foundation (ETF) in their Top 10 Innovative Teaching and Learning Practices among 800 participants.