Kharkiv IT Cluster & Prosper Global: How Joint Initiatives Strengthen Business Resilience

November 6, 2026

Business digital transformation does not happen on its own. You may have a strong IT sector and businesses in need of change, but without a solid bridge between them, practical expertise, and financial incentives, this potential remains untapped.

That is why Kharkiv IT Cluster has expanded its partnership network and joined forces with Prosper Global. The first joint initiative was the launch of the Digital Booster4SME project, which helps small and medium-sized enterprises integrate digital solutions into their operations.

On October 28–29, the Kharkiv IT Cluster team took part in Prosper Global’s annual partnership forum, “United for Prosperity,” which brought together representatives of civil society, businesses, financial institutions, and government agencies from across Ukraine.

Kharkiv IT Cluster’s experience was presented by Lina Smovziuk, Fundraising Lead at Kharkiv IT Cluster, during the panel discussion “Partnerships in Practice: Innovative Models for Scaling Opportunities and Impact.” She was joined by partners from FC Activitis, the HERTS FOUNDATION NGO, and Oschadbank JSC.

We are sharing the key insights and takeaways from the discussion.

Why Does Digitalization Require an Ecosystem Approach?

For many years, Kharkiv IT Cluster’s mission has remained unchanged: to develop an ecosystem for technology businesses.

For digitalization to deliver real results and make a tangible impact, all stakeholders need to work in sync — from emerging professionals to IT companies developing modern products for the domestic market.

At the same time, small and medium-sized businesses need practical tools to implement these solutions, while financial institutions must provide the resources to support entrepreneurs throughout the process.

Government Programs as a Catalyst for a Digital Leap

Digitalization covers the entire process, from technical equipment to software configuration. For companies to modernize their operations, accessible financial support is essential.

An important step forward was the September update to the Vlasna Sprava (Own Business) government grant program: grant funds can now officially be used to purchase software. Kharkiv IT Cluster has consistently advocated for this change together with the business community to provide entrepreneurs with a direct financial tool for digital transformation.

Digital Booster4SME: A Practical Tool for Supporting Entrepreneurs

The Digital Booster4SME project is a practical continuation of this partnership. The initiative helps small and medium-sized businesses navigate the entire transformation journey:

• Identify bottlenecks and optimize existing business processes;
• Select and test a digital solution tailored to the company's specific needs;
• Find a trusted Ukrainian IT partner to integrate the solution;
• Implement digital changes with guidance and support from industry experts.

Participation in the program is free of charge, and 150 businesses will be eligible to receive support* for implementing a digital solution.

Business resilience is built together, not in isolation. We would like to thank the Prosper Global team for their trust and for creating such a valuable platform for dialogue, as well as all forum participants for their commitment to turning bold ideas into reality.

Want to optimize your operational processes and receive support* for digitalizing your business? Follow the link and submit your application:

Learn more about Digital Booster4SME

*Support refers to electronic confirmation of a participant’s entitlement to receive digital guidance and support in the form of access to digital solutions for business process automation and digitalization, worth up to UAH 35,000, in accordance with the terms and limits set out in the program rules. It does not involve the issuance of a physical (tangible) certificate and is not a means of payment.

The Digital Booster4SME project is implemented by the BLOOM Consortium with financial support from the UK Government through UK aid under the BLOOM Programme. The programme is implemented by the BLOOM Consortium, which includes Prosper Global, Swisscontact, and Right to Protection (R2P).