In order to help small and medium-sized businesses develop communications in times of challenge and with limited resources, Svitlo agency, with the support of the USAID Competitive Economy Program, is launching a new stage of the pro bono project Light of Opportunity 2.0.

The first phase started in 2023 and helped 15 companies develop SMM strategies and establish communications on social media. Among the project participants were such Ukrainian companies as rekava, Garne, Lol&Pop, Edison Factory, Ever and Ever, Lumof, Acropolis, and others.

"During the cooperation, we received a powerful SMM strategy, which we have not had in such a clear and detailed form for 10 years of business existence. The Svitlo team was able not only to develop a detailed action plan, but also to show our business from a different perspective. We received a roadmap with a clear rubric based on market and target audience analysis. A visual strategy that coincides with the brand's vision, a photo shoot that conveys the main ideas and values. As well as recommendations for targeted advertising and work with influencers. We can boast of the results in terms of increased audience reach and engagement. Also, this support and cooperation helped us to restore one more workplace for an SMM specialist, which is also a very positive development," adds Olena Tokar, co-founder of Lol&Pop brand.

As the initiative received high interest from Ukrainian companies, the agency launched the second stage, Light of Opportunities 2.0, and expanded the list of services offered to businesses.

The new stage of the project will last 10 months, during which 30 small and medium-sized companies officially registered in Ukraine will receive individual communication strategies for social media free of charge and learn how to implement them. Some of the participants will also receive expert advice on sales, investment attraction, development and export plans. Each participant will work with experts for four months.

"The Light of Opportunity 2.0 project allows small and medium-sized businesses to update their own social media communication strategies free of charge with experts who have dozens of successful projects in their portfolio. During the first phase of the project, we realized how to modify it to provide businesses with an individualized list of services that will strengthen their marketing activities. We have increased the number of services within the project: in addition to communication strategies and mentoring, we have added audits and recommendations for the work of the sales department, attracting investment in business, and formulating development and export plans. For us, Light of Opportunities 2.0 is an opportunity to help more businesses find their own communication approach under the mentorship of Svitlo specialists," says Polina Taranenko, founder of Svitlo Communications Agency.

"Light of Opportunities 2.0": Svitlo Agency Launches a New Stage of a Pro Bono Project to Strengthen Communications for Small and Medium Businesses

During the initiative, Svitlo agency specialists will help participating companies develop communication strategies for brand promotion in social networks and prepare communication materials. In addition, the agency's specialists will work as mentors to help the participating teams independently implement the developed strategies after the project is completed. Businesses will receive practical advice and guidance that will help them develop their brand and strengthen their competitiveness in both Ukrainian and foreign markets.

The selection of participants in the Light of Opportunity 2.0 project will take place in two stages: filling out an application form and an interview with Svitlo Agency specialists. Applications will be accepted in three waves: March 20 - May 17, May 20 - July 19, July 22 - September 20. You can submit an application form and read the details of participation here: https://svitlo-agency.com.ua/svitlo-mozhlivostey-2-0

Link to the Light of Opportunity application form: https://forms.gle/QL9diyBmhtpcdYKW8

Background:

● Svitlo Communications Agency has been working in the field of marketing for 10 years and helps build effective communications in social networks. Experts work with social, cultural, and commercial projects in the European market. In 2023, they launched the Light of Opportunity project, which aims to help small and medium-sized businesses in Ukraine establish communications, increase sales, and improve competitiveness.

● The USAID Competitive Economy Program supports Ukrainian businesses to increase their competitiveness in the domestic market of Ukraine and international markets, helps build a simplified and transparent business climate, and provides Ukrainian companies with opportunities to take advantage of international trade.