German, Dutch, Swiss and Italian international business grant programs for development were presented in June 15, 2016 in Zhytomyr at a meeting organized by Zhytomyr Community Foundation in cooperation with the Department of Economic Development Zhytomyr City Council and Chamber of Commerce of Ukraine.

The participants of the event were representatives from business sphere, schools, universities, banking institutions, local government and journalists.

The topic of the meeting: “Senior Expert Programs of various European countries – an effective tool for the Ukrainian business development. How to use the grant program?”

During the meeting, speakers introduced the opportunities that the programs of international supporting provided, and provided systematic instructions for participation in the following programs. During the meeting, the participants had an opportunity to get detail information about the program action, features of implementation.

In general, the meeting was lively and interesting. An important part of the event was to communicate with participants who already have experience in implementing similar programs. Their experience, including the company presented Zhytomyr – “Velista”, “Domotronika” and others.

“Senior Expert Program – is a good opportunity for Ukrainian business to attract foreign experts on the very beneficial conditions. Senior Expert Programs attract older specialists that are retired and are able to invest their time and share their experience and best practices “- said Zhanna Solovyova, Head of the Board of Zhytomye Community Foundation.

 

 

 

 

Zhytomyr Mayor Sergiy Suhomlyn, in his speech to the participants, made emphasis on the importance of implementation similar international programs in Zhytomyr, not only for business but also for utilities and for the municipality as a whole.

Martin Reuter, representative SES program of Commerce and Industry of Ukraine (Kyiv) focused on the main common and distinctive features presented at the event grant programs and said: “Applicant for participation in programs may be enterprises, institutions and organizations of any form property registered in Ukraine. It is important that the programs do not work with the military and political organizations.” Martin Reuter gave the examples.

Yury Trachuk, PUM local representative in Ukraine (Rivne.) Said: “Program PUM, in contrast to the German and Swiss grant programs is able to invite experts for short visits – 7-14 days. In addition, the program provides applicants back visits to the Netherlands.”

“Swiss program SwissContact has extensive experience with representatives of hotel and restaurant business, as well as municipalities,” – said Irina Kovtun, program coordinator in Ukraine Swisscontact Senior Experts Corps and Volontari Senior Professionali (Kharkiv). Ms. Irina also drew the attention of the participants to the Italian expert program VSP, which only begins its work in Ukraine.

Vitaly Poklyachenko, director of “Magic of Comfort” (Zhytomyr) shared his experience of cooperation with an expert from the Netherlands, who helped his company and came to Zhytomyr by the program PUM.

About Senior Expert Programs => Presentation

Information:

«Senior Experten Service» is German Economy Foundation that with support of Germany experts promotes the development of economy, education and social services in many countries.

“PUM” is non-profit organization funded by the Government and the Union of Holland Entrepreneurs that sends Dutch experts to advise Ukrainian companies, initiate changes in the culture of entrepreneurship, help in determining the “pain points” of companies and suggest solutions to problems.

“SWISSCONTACT” is a charitable agency that supports private, public and voluntary organizations. Activity mission is to support organizations working in the plane of overcoming the crisis through economic and social development.

“VOLONTARI SENIOR PROFESSIONALI” is an Italian program for professional business support.