KSE IOM Project. Introductory calls. Overview and reflection
As I review the details of the volunteer consulting initiative launched by the Kyiv School of Economics, I'm struck by the positive response it has received from businesses and organizations across Ukraine. With 58 total applications received so far, the initiative has clearly struck a chord with those seeking support and guidance in these challenging times.
Of those who applied, 37 completed detailed questionnaires and 28 were contacted for introductory calls. From there, 23 applicants were ultimately selected to receive further consultations - an impressive 82% selection rate. The businesses and organizations selected were from a variety of regions across Ukraine, with Kyiv, Lviv, and Rivne having the highest representation (current locations of the businesses).
What's also encouraging to note is that the gender representation among the selected applicants was relatively balanced, with 63.8% men and 36.2% women.
Out of all applicants, 45% were solo and family entrepreneurs, and about 30% are medium-size businesses with incomes of UAH 500K and up.
Overall, it's clear that the Kyiv School of Economics' volunteer consulting initiative has been successful in generating interest and identifying businesses and organizations who can benefit from the consulting services offered. It's heartening to see such a positive response and willingness to seek help, and we look forward to seeing the impact of the initiative on these businesses in the future.
I am struck by their resilience and determination. Many of these business owners have faced significant challenges, such as having their businesses destroyed and looted during war, or having to relocate and set up shop in a new region. Others are struggling with a slowdown in business, particularly in the realm of services like marketing, consulting, music and science programs.
Of course, it is important to acknowledge the significant impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine on businesses and the wider population. According to the UNHCR, as of 13 March 2023, there are over 8 million refugees from Ukraine scattered across only Europe. This accounts for approximately 20% of the Ukrainian population, as estimated by Eurostat in 2021. Since the start of 2022, the Canadian government reports that over 132,000 Ukrainian nationals have entered the country.
Given this context, it is not surprising that we are seeing a significant decline in Ukrainian businesses, particularly in industries such as schools and marketing services. The fact that so many businesses are still operating despite the challenges they face is a testament to their resilience and determination. We hope that our consulting initiative can provide some much-needed support to these businesses as they navigate these difficult times.
Despite these challenges, I am impressed by the positive and eager attitudes of these entrepreneurs. They are clearly looking for solutions, and many of them seem open to new ideas and approaches. As I listen to them describe their businesses and the problems they face, I find myself thinking about the potential for creative design thinking models: How Might We?, Reframing, Empathy, etc.. How might we help these businesses find new sales channels, diversify their offerings, or optimize their business processes? I can’t wait to ideate!
Of course, the situations these entrepreneurs face are not easy, and there is no magic bullet that will solve all their problems. But as I review the introductory calls, I am reminded that there are many people and organizations who are willing to help. The Kyiv School of Economics and its team of volunteer consultants are just one of these resources, and I look forward to seeing how they can contribute to the success and resilience of these businesses.
The requests for help include opening new branches in different regions of Ukraine, expert assistance in grant programs, improving marketing strategies to reach target audiences, launching new products and organizing export sales, reducing workforce and redistributing duties, developing strategies to cope with the impact of war on the business, attracting foreign investments and grants for sports development, expertise in promoting organic products in Ukraine and finding foreign partners, and recovering from losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are successful dental clinics looking for advice on how to transition from a small family business to a scalable system, like Boris and Dobrobut. They are also interested in changing their motivational system. Essentially, they need help with the soft skills of business development. A music school that was affected by the war, and they had to close one of their two schools. They are currently focused on keeping their business afloat and providing jobs for their employees. However, they are struggling to figure out how to develop their business in the midst of the ongoing conflict. They would like to expand their music education efforts in Ukraine, possibly through a franchise model for Ukrainians living abroad.
Another business wants to achieve former success, provide jobs, and support the military and community through taxes and salaries. However, their current inventory is not in demand, and their target audience is mostly located outside the country. They are looking for ways to diversify their business and attract new customers. While the KSE consulting program is not offering export advisory services, we do work with other organizations designed to assist with just that. Export assistance requests are redirected to a better-equipped government-funded consulting group. It's important to note that the Kyiv School of Economics' volunteer consulting initiative is still ongoing and actively seeking applications. In fact, our goal is to provide consulting services to 100 businesses and organizations in Ukraine, so we are continuing to review applications.
What's also interesting to note is the wide range of industries represented among the applicants. From furniture and clothing to food and services, cafes, agricultural small cooperatives, business services such as marketing, certification, and digital design, even 3D printing, music schools, basketball clubs, and science after-school programs, there is a diverse array of businesses seeking support and guidance.
This diversity is a testament to the resilience and determination of the business community in Ukraine, despite the many challenges they face. We are honored to have the opportunity to work with such a wide range of businesses and industries, and are committed to providing the best possible consulting services to help them overcome their unique challenges and succeed.
IOM Project
