Success stories

New entrepreneur:
Nadiya Vizulis (Ukraine)
Age: 63
Company name: (Start-up)
Sector of activity: IT, office and communication equipment, services and supplies

Host entrepreneur:
Vitalijs Kolotikovs (Latvia)
Age: 40
Company name: FDS Cards / https://fdscards.com/ (16 years of experience)
Sector of activity: IT, office and communication equipment, services and supplies

Mrs. Nadiya Vizulis, a new entrepreneur from Ukraine, comes from Berdyansk in the Zaporizhzhia region, which was occupied by Russia in 2022. Before the full-scale invasion, she worked as a graphic designer and dreamed of establishing her own design company. By applying to the EYE programme, she hoped to gain practical experience in graphic design, marketing, AI tools, and business management, as well as to develop a concept for her website and improve her social media presence. She contacted Mr. Vitalijs Kolotikovs, an entrepreneur from Latvia, who was interested in exploring opportunities in the Ukrainian market, learning about local content trends, and preparing a book by a Ukrainian artist for publication. Both saw strong potential for a meaningful and mutually beneficial collaboration.

Nadiya began her exchange at FDS Cards in Latvia, where she learned about local business strategies and marketing tools. Vitalijs helped refine her business plan, identified a niche in the Latvian design market, and created a three-month content plan to promote her services on social media. Together, they conducted keyword analysis using Google Ads, developed marketing and advertising strategies, estimated budgets, carried out A/B testing, and prepared a sales plan. Nadiya contributed by creating animated presentations and video materials for advertising. Vitalijs also organised technical sessions on CorelDRAW, typography, and colour models, supporting Nadiya in expanding her portfolio. She gained knowledge of financial processes and legal requirements for running a business in Latvia, and practised networking during cultural events they attended together.

With her host entrepreneur, Vitalijs, Nadiya designed and prepared for print a book of Latvian proverbs and sayings, which is now available on Amazon. Thanks to the knowledge gained during the exchange, she was also able to prepare for print a book by a Ukrainian artist about the Latvian national hero Lāčplēsis. The first book, in English, has already been published on Amazon, and work is now continuing on the second book and its translation into Latvian. The exchange strengthened her entrepreneurial skills, expanded her network, and equipped her with practical tools for launching and developing her graphic design business.

For more information, please contact the local contact points involved in the exchange:

New entrepreneur's contact point:
LLC "CIVITTA UKRAINE" (Kyiv, Ukraine)

Host entrepreneur's contact point:
CIVITTA LATVIJA (Riga, Latvia)

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