This article outlines 5 practical lessons learned from the hub’s daily work. If you’re considering reaching out, these insights can help you navigate the process.

The Hub as an Entry Point into the Innovation Ecosystem

Many teams come to Win-Win EDIH with a desire to grow but no clear idea of where to start. These can be entrepreneurs, professionals, or educators with ideas but without access to support or relevant connections. Often, the first conversation with the hub helps them discover new opportunities.
For example, one IT specialist heard about the hub through another program and asked for guidance on navigating the startup ecosystem. The Win-Win EDIH team offered a Digital Maturity Assessment (DMA), held a consultation, and invited him to a prototyping bootcamp – all within a month. This shows that even without a specific request, teams can receive comprehensive support, as the right direction often emerges through the process.

Businesses Need a Clear Roadmap

Even experienced teams can feel lost among digital services. The Win-Win EDIH team explains available services using examples, real-life scenarios, and personalized consultations. They don’t expect clients to know the names of the tools they need – it’s more important to understand their context, goals, and constraints.
Once entrepreneurs understood how “digital maturity” could impact grant readiness or market entry, they saw the assessment as a helpful tool, not just a formality. Using relatable cases makes complex concepts more practical and accessible.
For those needing a clear action plan, the hub helps structure their request and select the right support format. Sometimes, one conversation is enough to define a concrete plan – conduct an assessment, test a hypothesis, or prepare a grant proposal.

Funding Requests Often Reveal Deeper Needs

Many clients come with funding-related questions. But often, the real need is to refine the product, validate demand, or strengthen the team.
For instance, one team wanted to apply for a grant. After consulting with a mentor, they focused on developing a solid business model – and submitted a clear and structured plan.
Win-Win EDIH often starts by clarifying the basics: what already works and what needs improvement. Experts don’t push services but help assess the team’s current development stage and define priorities – especially important when resources are limited and there’s a desire to scale fast.

Trust Spreads Through Communities

In the early months, most referrals came through personal recommendations – from universities, small businesses, or startup mentors already familiar with the team.
Several entrepreneurs returned because of positive experiences in previous projects. They saw Win-Win EDIH as a trusted ecosystem player they could turn to with new challenges.

One Step Leads to Another

For many companies, working with Win-Win EDIH starts with a single service – an assessment, consultation, or program – but quickly leads to new ideas and a clearer vision for the next steps. The process is cyclical:

1. Identifying the request or challenge

2. Formulating a hypothesis about which service or format may help

3. Delivering the selected service (e.g. consultation, testing access, program participation)

4. Collecting feedback, analyzing results, and planning the next step
    

Often, a new request emerges at this stage based on the experience gained. This approach helps build trust, better understand team needs, and offer support aligned with each business or organization’s development stage.
For example, after completing the DMA, one team saw potential in automating parts of their processes. Later, they returned for consultations on data protection and grant program participation.
This sequence is a natural part of the transformation journey. In many cases, the initial request is just the beginning. Win-Win EDIH supports businesses not as a one-time service provider but as a long-term partner available at every stage of growth. This fosters sustainable development and deeper engagement.

Why This Matters Now

In Ukraine, digitalization and innovation are closely intertwined and supported by multiple national strategies. For instance, the WINWIN: Ukrainian Global Innovation Strategy emphasizes international integration through innovation. In this context, EDIHs are not isolated initiatives but part of a shared infrastructure aligned with national and regional policies.