How trust, entrepreneurship, and cooperation between Norway and Ukraine can shape the future of business
Exclusive interview for the international gloss Business Woman with Yusuf Gilani, head of SMB Norge
Business is not only measured by growth figures, investments, or market success. At its core, business is about people — their ideas, courage, resilience, and ability to create opportunities even in challenging times.
Entrepreneurship has always been a powerful force for building stronger societies. It creates jobs, strengthens communities, encourages innovation, and connects people across borders.
For Yousuf Gilani, business development is about much more than economic progress. It is about inclusion, trust, and giving people the opportunity to shape their own future.
In this exclusive interview, Yousuf Gilani shares his perspective on the challenges facing small and medium-sized enterprises in Norway, the opportunities for Ukrainian entrepreneurs, and how cooperation between Norwegian and Ukrainian businesses can create long-term value for both countries.
“Business development is about inclusion, trust, and empowering people”
— What does business development mean to you beyond economic growth?
For me, business development is much more than economic growth. It is about inclusion, trust, and giving people the opportunity to shape their own future.
Entrepreneurship creates jobs and prosperity, but it also gives people hope, strengthens communities, and builds bridges between people and countries.
When people have the opportunity to innovate and build their own businesses, we create a stronger and more resilient society for everyone.
“Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of the Norwegian economy”
— What are the main challenges facing Norwegian small and medium-sized enterprises today, and how does SMB Norge address these challenges?
Small and medium-sized enterprises are the backbone of the Norwegian economy, but many of them face significant challenges.
Rising costs, increased regulatory burdens, access to skilled labour, digital transformation requirements, and economic uncertainty all affect the competitiveness of small businesses.
The mission of SMB Norge is to ensure that small and medium-sized enterprises have a strong voice and fair framework conditions.
We work closely with politicians, public institutions, and industry stakeholders to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy, improve access to financing, strengthen entrepreneurship, and create a business environment where smaller companies can grow and innovate.
“Every business owner deserves to be heard”
— How does SMB Norge ensure that the concerns of small businesses are reflected in Norwegian policymaking?
Our role is to be the voice of small and medium-sized businesses.
We maintain continuous dialogue with politicians, ministries, parliamentary committees, and government institutions.
Through consultations, policy recommendations, research, and direct advocacy, we bring the real experiences of business owners into national decision-making processes.
The uniqueness of our work is that we represent companies that often do not have the resources to carry out their own advocacy efforts.
We make sure their perspectives are not overshadowed by larger corporations.
“Norwegian and Ukrainian entrepreneurs can create value together”
— How do you see the potential for cooperation between Norwegian SMEs and Ukrainian businesses?
I see enormous potential.
Norwegian companies can offer experience in areas such as renewable energy, technology, infrastructure, maritime industries, and sustainable business.
At the same time, Ukrainian businesses bring resilience, innovation, high technical competence, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
Partnerships between Norwegian and Ukrainian companies can create mutual value through trade, investment, technology transfer, and joint projects.
Such cooperation can strengthen both economies and contribute to long-term growth and stability.
“Understanding the market and building networks are essential”
— From your perspective, what opportunities and challenges do Ukrainian business owners face when entering the Norwegian market?
The opportunities are significant.
Norway offers a stable economy, transparent institutions, a high level of trust, and a predictable legal framework.
Consumers and businesses are also increasingly open to innovation and international cooperation.
However, entering the Norwegian market can be challenging due to language barriers, regulatory requirements, high labour costs, and the importance of understanding local business culture.
Building networks and gaining market knowledge are often key factors for success.
“International experience is a strength”
— What advice would you give Ukrainian entrepreneurs who want to establish a company or continue their business activities in Norway?
My advice is to take time to understand the Norwegian business environment and build strong professional networks.
Norway is a society based on relationships, where trust, reliability, and long-term cooperation are highly valued.
Entrepreneurs should seek support from business organisations, innovation programmes, local municipalities, and industry networks.
They should also see their international experience as an advantage rather than a limitation, because diversity often drives innovation and competitiveness.
“Innovation grows when different experiences come together”
— How can cooperation between Norwegian and Ukrainian entrepreneurs contribute to innovation and economic development?
Innovation often happens when different perspectives, experiences, and competencies come together.
Ukrainian entrepreneurs have demonstrated extraordinary adaptability and creativity in difficult circumstances, while Norwegian businesses bring experience in sustainability, technology, and international standards.
Together, they can develop new products, services, and business models that create jobs, generate investment, and strengthen economic development in both countries.
“Small businesses will be a key force in rebuilding Ukraine”
— How important will small businesses be in the future rebuilding of Ukraine?
Small businesses will play a crucial role.
Large infrastructure projects are important, but sustainable development ultimately depends on thousands of smaller companies that create jobs, provide services, rebuild communities, and support local economic activity.
History shows that small and medium-sized enterprises are often the engines of recovery after crises.
They create opportunities, encourage innovation, and help strengthen civil society and local economies.
“Supporting women entrepreneurs means unlocking potential”
— What can be done to encourage more women, including Ukrainian women living in Norway, to start and develop businesses?
We need to make entrepreneurship more accessible through mentoring, training, networking opportunities, and improved access to financing.
Role models are also extremely important because successful women entrepreneurs inspire others to follow a similar path.
Many Ukrainian women have demonstrated extraordinary resilience and leadership qualities.
By creating supportive ecosystems and reducing practical barriers, we can unlock significant entrepreneurial potential that benefits society as a whole.
“Trust, responsibility, and sustainability create long-term success”
— What lessons from the Norwegian business system could be useful for Ukrainian entrepreneurs building businesses in Europe?
One important lesson is the value of trust.
Norwegian business culture is built on transparency, accountability, and long-term relationships.
Another important lesson is the importance of compliance and sustainable development.
Businesses that follow good governance, responsible practices, and continuous innovation often have better opportunities for long-term success in European markets.
“SMB Norge can help build stronger connections between business communities”
— How do you see the role of SMB Norge in developing stronger connections between Norwegian and Ukrainian entrepreneurs?
SMB Norge can serve as a bridge between entrepreneurs, organisations, investors, and policymakers.
We can support connections, knowledge exchange, partnerships, and business opportunities that benefit both countries.
Our ambition is to help create an environment where cooperation thrives and where small and medium-sized enterprises are recognised as important contributors to economic development, innovation, and international cooperation.
— What message would you like to share with Ukrainian entrepreneurs seeking opportunities, partnerships, and a future in Norway?
My message is simple: Norway welcomes talent, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
Ukrainian entrepreneurs bring valuable experience, determination, and fresh perspectives that can strengthen Norwegian business and society.
Although entering a new market can be challenging, there are many opportunities for those who are willing to learn, build relationships, and think long-term.
I encourage Ukrainian entrepreneurs to be ambitious, seek partnerships, and actively engage with the Norwegian business community.
Together, we can create growth, innovation, and lasting value that benefits both our countries.
At SMB Norge, we believe that strong businesses build strong communities.
Business development is not only about economic growth. It is also about inclusion, trust, and giving people the opportunity to shape their own future.
Entrepreneurship empowers people, creates jobs, strengthens communities, and builds bridges between people and nations.
This is why strengthening connections between Norwegian and Ukrainian entrepreneurs remains an important opportunity for the future.
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Author: Inessa Kryvenko
Photo: photos provided by the hero of the article