Project summary
BSR GO-ABROAD
In the Baltic Sea Region (BSR), micro-SMEs (micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises) form a vital part of the economic landscape.
However, limited resources, a lack of international networks, and unfamiliarity with internationalisation often prevent them from expanding beyond national borders and engaging in cross-border activities.
BSR Go-abroad addresses these challenges by providing structured support to micro-SMEs aiming to internationalise. Through a transnational partnership of Business Development Organisations from Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, and Poland, the programme offers tailored guidance to help smaller businesses overcome barriers and seize new opportunities within the BSR.
To date, over 150 micro-SMEs across the region have joined the programme. Participants have refined their strategies, gained international confidence, and begun forming cross-border business connections.
By the end of the project, the BSR Go-abroad blueprint will offer a scalable solution for how other Business Development Organisations and Business Development Authorities can support micro-SMEs in their internationalisation efforts across the region.
The BSR Go-abroad developed a free online program co-funded by the European Union, designed to help small and medium sized businesses in the Baltic Sea Region engage in international activities. This included anything from initial regional market expansion, transfer of knowledge as well as securing strong local value chains.
what?
A program designed to help SMEs expand into new international markets.
Offers comprehensive support through:
1) 360°readiness assessment
2) Training and capacity building
3) Matchmaking opportunities
why?
1) Enter new markets with expert guidance.
2) Connect with potential partners and customers.
3) Diversify risks and enhance competitiveness.
4) Expand internationally without financial barriers
who?
SMEs who are aiming to:
1) Explore and enter international markets.
2) Strengthen their global network.
3) Gain practical insights and connections for sustainable global growth.
HOW IT WORKS
The program is structured as a four-stage journey that equips startups with the tools, knowledge, and connections needed for international success:
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Quick assessment to align business goals with an internationalization plan.
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Four interactive workshops (offered in September, October, or November) on International Sales & Marketing, Management Across Borders, and more. Only one team member needs to attend, but the same person should participate in all sessions.
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Practical implementation of strategies with personalized coaching and peer-to-peer networking.
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Get introduced to local market experts and potential partners in your target region.
AIMS AND RESULTS
The objective of BSR Go-abroad is to increase the resilience of Baltic Sea Region micro SMEs and the Baltic Sea Region, by stimulating increased trade and collaboration within the Baltic Sea Region. This will be done by providing micro SMEs with the knowledge, tools and network to execute effectful internationalization strategies and build strong local value chains within the Baltic Sea Region.
The project will pilot an internationalization program for micro SMEs, that will have as its output a blueprint of tools and recommendations on how to increase and support local trade and value chain cooperation among micro SMEs in the BSR. The blueprint will then be transferred to and used by the micro SMEs themselves, business development organizations and business development departments of local authorities in the Baltic Sea geography.
The project will support 250 SMEs throughout the project.
BSR Go-abroad is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg Baltic Sea Region program.
