On September 23, a thematic online study visit to business associations and clusters titled “The Power of Unity: How Business Communities Help Enterprises Grow” took place. The event was organized by the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia Chambers of Commerce and Industry with the support of the “Partnership for a Strong Ukraine” Program.
During the meeting, representatives of businesses and business associations learned about practical tools that could be useful for enterprises in the Donetsk region, particularly for finding partners and orders, entering new markets, participating in joint projects, and obtaining expert support.
Special attention was given to the capabilities of the chambers of commerce and industry. Among the services offered are certification of origin, customs clearance, commodity expertise, certification of force majeure, and other services relevant to businesses operating under wartime conditions.
For businesses in frontline territories, the ability to act not individually but through professional associations is of particular importance. Such collaboration helps entrepreneurs exchange experiences, jointly seek solutions, engage experts, establish cooperation, and represent shared interests.
Participants were also introduced to opportunities for cluster collaboration. Companies can jointly participate in business missions, partnership projects, and training events; develop international contacts; and establish new production and technological ties.
A separate focus was placed on supporting veteran-owned businesses and fostering collaboration between companies and experts as well as educational institutions. In particular, the discussion focused on opportunities for staff training, internships, apprenticeships, and employee recruitment.
Participants in the study visit also learned about the work of the Zaporizhzhia European Digital Innovation Hub, which helps small and medium-sized businesses gain access to technological expertise, equipment, specialists, and international contacts.
For businesses in the Donetsk region, such forms of cooperation create additional opportunities to sustain and grow their businesses, find new partners and markets, and attract the necessary expertise and resources. The exchange of practical experience between business communities in frontline regions helps strengthen cooperation and foster entrepreneurship.
Based on materials from the Donetsk Chamber of Commerce and Industry