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Access to Financing for SMEs: Practical Training Held in Odesa

22/ 08/ 2025
  Access to finance remains one of the key challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ukraine. In wartime conditions, entrepreneurs face not only unstable demand but also disruptions in supply chains, high risks, and a lack of long-term resources. To maintain stability and continue growing, companies must seek comprehensive solutions — from cooperating with banks to participating in international donor programs and government initiatives. This topic was at the center of the practical training “Financing for SMEs: Solutions, Tools, and Cases”, held on August 19, 2025, in Odesa. The event was organized by EBA Odesa in partnership with KSE Institute as part of an educational and mentoring program supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Speakers included: Olha Slyvinska, Director of International Relations, KSE Institute Denys Mazurevskyi, Head of Corporate Business, Raiffeisen Bank (Odesa) Vitalii Kazymyr, Head of Sales Department, Export Credit Agency Andrii Semchenko, Chairman of the Board, Insurance Company INGO Kseniia Tolstova, Business Development Director, Amadeus Marine Yaroslav Lysak, Founder & CEO, Neverdark The opening remarks were delivered by Kateryna Morozova, Head of the South Ukrainian Office of EBA. In her speech, she emphasized: Today, businesses need to access resources quickly — not only financial but also partnerships, new knowledge, and effective tools. That is why we gathered here: to hear from experts, share practices, establish cooperation, and work together on the recovery and development of the South of Ukraine despite all challenges. The program allowed participants to explore several key areas: Modern financing opportunities for SMEs. The discussion covered a wide range of instruments — from traditional bank loans and leasing to international grant programs and business support funds operating in Ukraine. Government support programs. Participants learned about new export stimulation tools, investment attraction mechanisms, and opportunities to cooperate with state institutions that facilitate access to foreign markets. Financial security and insurance. The role of insurance mechanisms in reducing risks and maintaining business resilience, even during periods of uncertainty, was highlighted. Practical approaches to choosing funding sources. Experts provided guidance on adapting financial strategies to different stages of business development — from startup and initial resource mobilization to scaling operations. Real-life cases. Special attention was given to success stories of financing in logistics and related industries, showcasing effective cooperation with banks, donors, and investors. The event served not only as a source of practical knowledge but also as an effective platform for exchanging experience and establishing new contacts. Businesses had the opportunity to ask questions to experts, discuss their own challenges, and find tools that help regional companies confidently overcome difficulties and explore new growth opportunities.
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Access to finance remains one of the key challenges for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ukraine. In wartime conditions, entrepreneurs face not only unstable demand but also disruptions in supply chains, high risks, and a lack of long-term resources. To maintain stability and continue growing, companies must seek comprehensive solutions — from cooperating with banks to participating in international donor programs and government initiatives.

This topic was at the center of the practical training “Financing for SMEs: Solutions, Tools, and Cases”, held on August 19, 2025, in Odesa. The event was organized by EBA Odesa in partnership with KSE Institute as part of an educational and mentoring program supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Speakers included:

  • Olha Slyvinska, Director of International Relations, KSE Institute
  • Denys Mazurevskyi, Head of Corporate Business, Raiffeisen Bank (Odesa)
  • Vitalii Kazymyr, Head of Sales Department, Export Credit Agency
  • Andrii Semchenko, Chairman of the Board, Insurance Company “INGO”
  • Kseniia Tolstova, Business Development Director, “Amadeus Marine”
  • Yaroslav Lysak, Founder & CEO, Neverdark

The opening remarks were delivered by Kateryna Morozova, Head of the South Ukrainian Office of EBA. In her speech, she emphasized: “Today, businesses need to access resources quickly — not only financial but also partnerships, new knowledge, and effective tools. That is why we gathered here: to hear from experts, share practices, establish cooperation, and work together on the recovery and development of the South of Ukraine despite all challenges.”

The program allowed participants to explore several key areas:

  • Modern financing opportunities for SMEs. The discussion covered a wide range of instruments — from traditional bank loans and leasing to international grant programs and business support funds operating in Ukraine.
  • Government support programs. Participants learned about new export stimulation tools, investment attraction mechanisms, and opportunities to cooperate with state institutions that facilitate access to foreign markets.
  • Financial security and insurance. The role of insurance mechanisms in reducing risks and maintaining business resilience, even during periods of uncertainty, was highlighted.
  • Practical approaches to choosing funding sources. Experts provided guidance on adapting financial strategies to different stages of business development — from startup and initial resource mobilization to scaling operations.
  • Real-life cases. Special attention was given to success stories of financing in logistics and related industries, showcasing effective cooperation with banks, donors, and investors.

The event served not only as a source of practical knowledge but also as an effective platform for exchanging experience and establishing new contacts. Businesses had the opportunity to ask questions to experts, discuss their own challenges, and find tools that help regional companies confidently overcome difficulties and explore new growth opportunities.

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