Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office invites Ukrainian IT companies to participate in the market entry program TechStep Sweden that is developed by Open Trade Gate Sweden (OTGS) together with Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office and IT Ukraine Association. 

TechStep Sweden is a structured market entry program that aims to accelerate the journey into the Swedish market for selected Ukrainian companies. The program is designed to help the companies address the challenges that are usually encountered when entering the Swedish market. The initiative is implemented in cooperation with key stakeholders in the Swedish tech ecosystem and includes training, coaching, milestone reviews and several networking opportunities in Sweden. 

The program offers: 

●          Market insights: Reports and webinars

●          Structured learning: Masterclasses and workshops

●          Execution assistance: Coaching and advisory services

●          Leadership support: Regular progress follow-ups

●          Peer learning: Networking and shared experiences

●          Access to the Swedish tech ecosystem: Study visits, trade fairs and tech events 

●          Quality diploma at successful completion

Participating companies will be able to: 

•       Design and execute your business export strategy for the Swedish market

•       Identify business opportunities in Sweden

•       Develop a business network in Sweden

•       Enter and/or scale your operations in the Swedish market

Validity of the program: Jan 2025 – March 2026

Format: online / onsite events  in Sweden

Stages of the program:

Stage 1. “Get to Know the Market” 

Include: masterclasses series; offline study visit to Sweden, including TechArena 2025 (Feb 19-21, 2025); 

Result: At this stage you will learn about potential of the Swedish market for your product/service; 

Stage 2. “Building Pipeline” 

Include: workshop & masterclass on sale techniques and export plan implementations; participation in Stockholm Tech Show (May 14-15, 2025) within the Collective stand of Ukraine & networking event; 1-to-1 coaching sessions with consultants from Sweden; 

Result: development of the individual export plan; prepare effectively for participation at tech events in Sweden and enlarge your contact network;

Stage 3. “Lead Capture”

Include: TechStep Autumn kickoff meeting; group coaching session;  1-to-1 coaching sessions with consultants from Sweden;  Result: follow-up of the existing contacts and increase your network in Sweden; 

Stage 4. “Accelerate”

Include: business trip: explore market outside Stockholm (October or November 2025); 1-to-1 coaching sessions: focused support for your sales process and scaling; 

Result: explore market potential and opportunities outside Stockholm; continue improving implementation of individual export plan and increase business network in Sweden;

Stage 5. “Growth” 

Include: Spring kickoff meeting; participation in TechArena 2026 & matchmaking event; 1-on-1 coaching: focused support for your sales process; 

Result: market assessments and updating individual  export plan;  grow your business in the Swedish market independently.

The program can be changed. Additional activities may be added to address participants' specific needs. Program also contains monthly check-ins and group progress discussions. 

The program uses a co-financing approach in which companies participating in the program will need to finance a part of the logistics costs related to traveling and accommodation in Sweden. 

Criteria for selection:

1. The company is a registered entity (private entrepreneur or legal entity) in accordance with the current legislation of Ukraine;

2. At least 50% of the company's shares belong to citizens of Ukraine;

3. Company's website available in English;

4. Participants must be fluent in English;

5. The company's activities fit for the Swedish market;

6. The company has the capacity to export its products/services;

7.  The company is focused on entering the Swedish market

8. The company is ready to delegate 1-2 employees to participate in all stages of the long-term program;

9. Companies with category 10-250 employees;

10. The company is financially stable and ready to cover the logistics, accommodation costs and other related expenses of the representatives. 

How to apply for participation:

Step 1. Fill in the application form below.

Step 2. Interview with the organizers. The purpose of the interview: to determine your needs and readiness to participate in the long-term program.

Step 3. Companies that are selected will be offered to sign a commitment contract outlining goals and participation expectations. 

If you have any questions, please contact Office expert, Olena Bilobrova, by email: obilobrova@epo.org.ua

Registration is open until November 17th, 2024. The number of participants is 15.

TechStep Sweden program is organized by Open Trade Gate Sweden and the State Institution Entrepreneurship and Export Promotion Office, the state project Diia.Business in cooperation with the IT Ukraine Association. 

Open Trade Gate Sweden (OTGS) is a part of the National Board of Trade Sweden. OTGS promotes imports from developing countries to Sweden and the EU. OTGS work with business support organisations in the countries to offer training, coaching, study visits and participation at trade fairs and other business events. For more information.