Overview of “Buddies” Canada-Ukraine SME Connection Meeting
The Buddies Canada-Ukraine SME Connection Meeting was a special event organized as part of the Buddies program, which provides networking opportunities for small businesses that are utilizing consulting services offered by KSE (Kyiv School of Economics). The program is designed to facilitate connections between businesses, and Nataliya Bykova DiGiovanni, an MBA student at KSE residing in Canada and taking the course online, spearheaded the initiative. Nataliya was seeking SMEs willing to engage in discussions and explore potential networking opportunities. The meeting served as a foundation of the platform for Ukrainian and Canadian businesses to come together, exchange ideas, and forge valuable connections.
During the Buddies Canada-Ukraine SME Connection Meeting, three schools participated, each bringing their unique educational expertise and aspirations for growth. These schools were Robot School, Nota Bene Music Academy, and Scholars.
Robot School is an innovative Ukrainian business that specializes in STEM education for children. Their comprehensive programs and workshops focus on teaching robotics, coding, and technology, fostering creativity and problem-solving skills among young learners. Through engaging hands-on experiences, Robot School aims to inspire a passion for STEM subjects.
Nota Bene Music Academy is a renowned Ukrainian music school that offers comprehensive music education for students of all ages, “from 6 to 60”. With a focus on innovating music training, the academy provides instruction in various instruments, music theory, and vocal training. Their commitment to excellence and highly qualified faculty have established them as a reputable institution within the Ukrainian music education landscape.
3. Scholars Newmarket:
https://www.scholarsed.com/newmarket-tutoring/
Scholars is a Canadian small business operating as a franchisee of a well-established tutoring school network. Located in Newmarket, Scholars specializes in providing personalized and comprehensive tutoring services. With a dedicated team of educators, they employ tailored teaching methods and curriculum to meet the unique needs of each student, helping them excel academically.
These three schools showcased their expertise, shared their plans for growth and expansion, and engaged in fruitful discussions during the meeting, contributing to the overall success of the event.
The discussions during the first Buddies Canada-Ukraine SME Connection Meeting were lively and engaging, despite the need for translation between English and Ukrainian languages. Participants actively asked questions and provided valuable advice to one another. One highlight of the meeting was when the owner of Scholars, a Canadian tutoring school franchise, explained the intricacies of franchising in Canada. They shared insights into how the franchising model works, emphasizing the benefits and challenges associated with it. This information proved to be highly informative for the Ukrainian businesses, who were eager to explore the possibility of expanding through franchising.
Another important topic of discussion revolved around online schooling, with participants from both Ukraine and Canada sharing their experiences and management strategies. The Ukrainian businesses expressed concerns about hiring music teachers willing to work online, which sparked a valuable exchange of ideas. In response, the Canadian tutoring school franchise owner explained that while online teaching posed certain challenges, such as distractions for young students, there were effective strategies to address them. The discussion highlighted the importance of adapting to the online learning environment and finding innovative ways to engage students effectively.
Overall, the lively discussions and exchange of knowledge during the meeting created a vibrant atmosphere where participants actively learned from one another's experiences. The insights shared by the Scholars owner on franchising and the discussions on online schooling provided valuable guidance to the Ukrainian businesses, helping them navigate these aspects of their own growth plans.
Through the KSE consulting initiative, we have gathered an impressive community of nearly 100 small Ukrainian businesses representing diverse industries and various stages of growth. Among these businesses, there are those who are rebuilding and regaining momentum after facing challenges or disruptions, as well as those who have recently relocated and are establishing themselves in new territories. With the support and guidance of KSE consultants, these businesses are actively exploring areas such as marketing strategies, operational enhancements, financial planning, and other crucial aspects of business improvement.
The collective energy and determination of these entrepreneurs are driving their businesses forward. They are embracing the opportunities provided by the Buddies program to connect, learn from one another's experiences, and forge meaningful collaborations. Whether you are a small business seeking fresh perspectives or a seasoned enterprise eager to expand your network, the KSE consulting initiative offers a platform to engage with like-minded professionals and tap into a wealth of knowledge and expertise.
Join our community of passionate business owners and consultants who are committed to continuous growth and improvement. Contact Nataliya, the driving force behind the Buddies program, and discover the multitude of connections, insights, and support that await you. Let's navigate the business landscape together and pave the way for collective success.
