ELY Centre for Uusimaa to receive EUR 1.5 million to support the internationalisation of SMEs

The Excell in Export programme consists of three phases, the first of which is an export analysis provided for the company free of charge. The ELY Centre for Uusimaa is looking for 350 SMEs from Uusimaa to participate in the first phase. 
  
‘We are asking for applications from companies that have realistic possibilities to start exports within a year. During the initial phase of the programme - the export analysis - we examine the company’s capabilities for export activities in different areas and give prioritised advice for improving their capabilities and competence,’ says Development Manager Reino Koho from the ELY Centre for Uusimaa.  
 
Once the companies have gone through the export analysis and their capabilities are at a sufficient level, they may choose to proceed to the next phases which are subject to a fee: Export Journey and Export Coaching. During these phases, necessary export expertise is tailored and build for each company.  
  
The project is intended for the management and key personnel of SMEs in Uusimaa who see exports as a significant opportunity to increase their company’s turnover and find new, more profitable customers in the export market. Start-ups can also benefit from the service.  
  
‘Our goal is that out of the 350 participating companies, as many as 100 would realise their first export project or direct their exports to new markets. Each phase of the programme improves the entrepreneur's export competence and provides capabilities for the further development of export operations,’ Reino Koho explains.  

In the autumn, the ELY Centre for Uusimaa carried out a business survey, which examined the state of exports and internationalisation capabilities of companies in Uusimaa, while also providing information on the Excell in Export programme.  
  
‘Almost 200 companies were interested in the internationalisation services of ELY Centres, and half of them requested more information on the Excell in Export programme. This gives faith that there is a demand for the programme,’ says Reino Koho.  
  
The Excell in Export programme by the ELY Centre for Uusimaa is part of the internationalisation services for companies offered in the Team Finland networks in Uusimaa.  

The Excell in Export programme will be launched in January with the export analyses. If your company would like to take part in the programme, you can already contact ELY Centre for Uusimaa by email: vientikunto@ely-keskus.fi.  

More information on the Excell in Export programme: Reino Koho, Development Manager, ELY Centre for Uusimaa, +358 295 021 077, vientikunto@ely-keskus.fi.