Born Global Ukraine fosters entrepreneurship and a global mindset under challenging circumstances

Amid war and economic uncertainty, entering international markets presents both a challenge and an opportunity for Ukrainian entrepreneurs. To support this transition, Visionest Institute, in cooperation with Ukrainian partners, launched the Born Global Ukraine programme. Its goal is to nurture a new generation of entrepreneurs whose vision and ambitions are global from day one. 

Funded by the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), the intensive six-month programme engaged 45 teams with more than 120 participants from all regions of Ukraine. 

From idea to international business plan 

The programme focused on practical, results-oriented learning. Participants completed eight comprehensive training modules covering international market analysis, export strategies, risk management, marketing and communications. Mentoring sessions played a central role, with international experts and experienced advisors providing feedback on participants' business models and development plans. 

The learning process extended well beyond theory. Step by step, each participant developed their own business idea into a comprehensive international business plan. At the end of the programme, finalists presented their plans, demonstrating their readiness to enter international markets, and received certificates recognising their achievements. 

Measurable impact and skills development 

Participants overwhelmingly said the programme had a positive effect on their personal skills and export knowledge, including increased ability to estimate the costs of entering foreign markets, improved market and customer analysis skills, better risk management capabilities, and an improved ability to identify and engage international partners. 

"In Ukraine's current circumstances, global ambition is not a luxury or a distant aspiration; it is essential for business resilience and growth. The programme's greatest achievement is this mindset shift. Participants no longer wait until they feel their businesses are fully ready for international markets. Instead, they learn to build their business models, teams and strategies from the very beginning with the capacity to compete internationally," said Anu-Mall Naarits, CEO of Visionest Institute and creator of the Born Global Ukraine programme. 

"Equally important is the strengthened network of trusted local trainers and mentors established throughout the programme. Through them, knowledge, tools and international experience remain in Ukraine and continue reaching future entrepreneurs and teams. As a result, the programme's impact extends well beyond a single cohort, helping to build a stronger and more self-sufficient entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ukraine over the long term," she added. 

Changing viewpoints from local to global 

One of the programme's primary objectives was to transform entrepreneurial thinking. Instead of following the traditional approach of "grow locally first, then expand," participants were encouraged to build businesses designed for international markets from the outset. 

This transformation was evident in participant feedback. Many reported that they had successfully turned their ideas into viable business plans, secured their first commercial agreements and gained a clearer understanding of their companies' international growth potential. 

"We successfully transformed our idea into a fully operational project. We have already signed our first contract, providing our team with an excellent starting point for business development and more effective project management," said Anna Kostenko, representative of the AD Travel and Logistics project. 

Beyond acquiring new knowledge, participants also reported increased confidence in their ability to operate successfully in the global business environment. Graduates emphasised that the tools and experience gained through the programme would benefit not only their current ventures but also future entrepreneurial projects. 

Results that create lasting impact 

Born Global Ukraine has served as a platform for shaping a new entrepreneurial culture based on collaboration, innovation and a global mindset. Its graduates are prepared to take their ideas onto the international stage and become active participants in the global economy. 

In addition to supporting entrepreneurs, the programme strengthened Ukraine's wider innovation ecosystem by involving both Ukrainian and international mentors, as well as previous programme participants. This network helps ensure that knowledge and experience continue to spread long after the project's completion. 

Resilience through international cooperation 

At the beginning of 2025, the programme faced an unexpected challenge when one of its funding sources was withdrawn. At that critical moment, ESTDEV's support proved essential, enabling the programme to continue uninterrupted and reach a successful conclusion. 

The experience highlights the importance of international development cooperation not only in launching initiatives but also in ensuring their sustainability under difficult circumstances. 

"At ESTDEV, we are pleased to contribute to development breakthroughs that create lasting impact. We have helped generate new business ideas and companies, encouraged them from the very beginning to think internationally and supported the creation of business models that can withstand challenging conditions while creating value in global markets," said Reesi Lepa, ESTDEV's head of Economic Development and Innovation.