Kormotech at Donbas Media Forum: How Businesses and Media Can Build Trust and Long-Term Partnerships

The discussion explored how businesses and media organizations can move beyond one-off collaborations to build long-term partnerships, identify shared interests, and support one another, especially amid the ongoing full-scale war.

“Businesses, just like the media, play an important role in society. Ukraine needs independent, competitive, and trusted media, just as it needs strong Ukrainian businesses. Traditionally, cooperation between the two starts with a specific request: telling a company’s story, supporting a project, or covering an event. But today, we need to look at these relationships more broadly. This is especially important during the war, when both businesses and media face significant challenges. The question is no longer just what we can gain from each other, but also how we can help each other become stronger,” said Alina Smyshliak-Boroda.

At Kormotech, we know firsthand what it takes to grow a business in Ukraine during wartime. Companies overcome challenges every day to keep production running, protect jobs, and continue investing in growth. At the same time, media outlets are searching for the resources they need to keep operating, maintain their independence, and produce quality journalism. That is why finding common ground and opportunities for mutual support matters more than ever.

At Kormotech, we believe responsible businesses should support quality journalism while respecting editorial independence. At the same time, the stories of Ukrainian manufacturers deserve attention beyond sponsored content and advertising projects. Behind these stories are investments, new jobs, expansion into international markets, and contributions to Ukraine’s economy. These are issues that matter to society and deserve greater coverage, especially now, when supporting domestic manufacturers directly contributes to the resilience of Ukraine’s economy.

How can a one-off publication evolve into a long-term partnership? What other forms of collaboration could benefit businesses, media organizations, and their audiences? And how can companies and newsrooms balance business interests with editorial independence?

For almost a year, Kormotech representatives have been exploring these questions at the “Business and Media” workshops and business brunches organized by DII Ukraine. Participants share experiences, explore new ways of working together, and learn how to build partnerships that create value for everyone involved.

Today, supporting Ukrainian manufacturers is only part of the challenge. It is equally important to create an environment where Ukrainian businesses can grow while media organizations remain independent and impartial. At Kormotech, we believe that by working together, businesses and media can achieve much more toward this shared goal.