The INGENIOUS Eurocluster Consortium has taken a significant step in fostering international growth and competitiveness for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Europe. Recently, the consortium awarded internationalisation grants to 10 SMEs from six countries—Italy, Germany, Czech Republic, Poland, Bulgaria, and France. The grant, worth €2,500 per company, is aimed at supporting these SMEs in expanding their operations to strategic global markets, opening up new opportunities for international collaboration and business development.

Boosting International Market Entry

The awarded SMEs are being supported in their missions to enter target markets including Kazakhstan, India, South Korea, Peru, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Japan, Canada, and Israel. The grants have provided awarded companies with the resources and capacity to explore and penetrate these high-growth markets more effectively, with reduced financial risk.

The internationalisation grants have proven to be a critical enabler for the SMEs, providing essential support for market research, networking activities, and business matchmaking. As these companies aim to expand their global reach, the grant has significantly facilitated a smoother, more structured entry into these diverse and complex markets. For many, this funding has been instrumental in overcoming initial barriers to entry, such as regulatory requirements, language challenges, and logistical issues.

Impact of the Internationalisation Grant

For the 10 SMEs, the financial assistance offered by the grant has not only accelerated their international expansion efforts but has also laid the foundation for long-term growth in these new regions. Several companies have already reported promising leads, new partnerships, and heightened visibility in their respective target markets. Moreover, these efforts align with the overarching goals of the INGENIOUS Eurocluster initiative, which seeks to foster innovation, cross-border collaboration, and the global competitiveness of European SMEs.

Future Collaboration and Internationalisation Activities

Looking forward, many of the supported SMEs have already started planning future internationalisation activities in the target countries. This initial support has opened doors for further collaboration with local partners, government bodies, and business networks. In some cases, discussions about technology transfer agreements, and research partnerships are already underway, highlighting the long-term potential for growth and cooperation.

Driving European Competitiveness

The internationalisation grant initiative is a key element of the INGENIOUS Eurocluster’s broader mission to strengthen European SMEs' capacity to compete on a global stage. By helping these companies navigate the complexities of international markets, the consortium is contributing to the economic growth of not only the SMEs but also their home countries.

The INGENIOUS Eurocluster internationalisation grants have made a tangible impact on the global expansion efforts of 10 SMEs across Europe. By easing market entry into key international destinations and fostering future collaborations, these grants are empowering European SMEs to take advantage of new opportunities and strengthen their competitive edge in the global marketplace.

For a full list of the awarded SMEs, please visit the project website. 

Internationalisation Grants – INGENIOUS