The success story of Stryi Auto!
When an idea becomes a driver of progress 💡
In a small Ukrainian town in the Lviv region, among green hills and historic facades, Stryi Auto turns challenges into opportunities and dreams into real achievements. Their journey is a story of innovation, perseverance and the desire to be the first.
The challenge of the times ⏳
The world is changing rapidly, and so is transport. European markets are looking for environmentally friendly, ergonomic and high-tech solutions. But how can a small company from Ukraine not only keep up with trends but also set them? For Stryi Auto, the answer was obvious - you have to act.
And they decided to act with a bold decision: to create an electric truck with 80% Ukrainian components and present it to the world.
From an observer to a player 💪🏻
Thanks to the Microgrants for Big Ideas: Export project, the company was not only able to attend key international exhibitions, such as IAA Transportation in Hanover and Innotrans 2024 in Berlin, but also to become an exhibitor.
At these events, Stryi Auto presented the result of their many months of work - a first-class seat for public transport. The elegant design, quality that competes with European brands, and favourable price attracted the attention of more than 200 companies.
The beginning of new partnerships 🤝🏻
Morocco, India, Poland and the Czech Republic are the geography of future partnerships that have now become a reality for Stryi Auto. The names of major brands - SCIF, Bony Polymers, Škoda, 4IB - are already being mentioned in the context of considering the terms of cooperation.
But this is only the beginning. The company has expanded its range of products and improved its marketing strategy, creating a new website, catalogues and materials for customers. As a result, Stryi Auto not only increased its brand awareness but also attracted new partners.
‘The NGU ‘Foundation for Support of Reforms in Ukraine’ helps Ukrainian SMEs not only adapt to challenges, but also set new standards. Supporting businesses immediately yields positive results: new contracts, increased profits and self-confidence. Each success story is a proof of the powerful potential of Ukrainian enterprises,’ said Yuriy Shkil, Executive Director of the NGU ‘FSRU’.
Results that inspire 🥰
The first contract for the supply of seats to Poland (worth $50,000), cooperation with Indian customers on sealed transitions, and the start of European product certification - all of this was made possible by the support programme and the team's perseverance.
The programme gave the company not only financial assistance, but also self-confidence, unique experience, and most importantly, a platform to show the world what Ukrainian business is capable of.
‘The Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund promotes the development of enterprises that seek to implement ambitious projects and innovate. Thanks to the microgrant programme, Stryi Auto was able to enter international markets, demonstrate the high level of Ukrainian quality and expand its export potential. This project is a testament to how targeted support can help Ukrainian companies integrate into the global economy,’ said Vitaliy Bigday, Director of the SME Support Programme at the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund.
Winners' impressions 🌟
Anna Shevtsiv, Director of Stryi Auto, shared her impressions:
‘This grant has helped us not only expand the boundaries of our business, but also become ambassadors of Ukrainian quality in the international market. We feel that our work matters - for us, our city and Ukraine as a whole.’
The story of Stryi Auto is a convincing example of how targeted investments can stimulate growth, promote international integration and strengthen the visibility of Ukrainian small businesses.
🔗 The "Microgrants for Big Ideas: Export" project is implemented by the Foundation for Support of Reforms in Ukraine with financial support from the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (formerly Western NIS Enterprise Fund) to promote the export potential of Ukrainian SMEs.
Sign up for updates on LinkedIn so you don't miss new opportunities for your business!