SME Beyond

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the blue and green sectors are vital to economic growth in the South Baltic region. However, they face a significant challenge: going international. Only 34% of them engage in global business since it is complex to perform an international expansion due to legal framework, market insight, and financial difficulties. The ‘South Baltic SMEs Advancing Beyond Borders’ (SMEBEYOND) is a cross- border Interreg project that will support SMEs in sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable urban development, water and waste management, food packaging, plasma technology, and maritime to get international and have successful ventures. In collaboration with partners from Denmark, Sweden, Poland, and Lithuania, the project will facilitate various matchmaking sessions to support SMEs in establishing international contacts.

Project Goals

• Current Engagement: Only 34% of SMEs in the South Baltic Region engage in international business, with just 7% reaching non-EU markets.
• Targeted Outcomes: The project aims to provide non-financial support to 18,000 enterprises and facilitate cooperation among 6,000 organizations.
• Economic Potential: The project is expected to significantly boost the regional economy and enhance global competitiveness by increasing the international presence of SMEs.

About

The project aims to cultivate a competitive business ecosystem in the South Baltic Region through cross-border collaboration with SMEs, policymakers, investors, NGOs, and business networks. With support from Interreg South Baltic, it will run from 2024 to 2027 and has a budget of 1.6 million euro. The project is co-funded by Interreg South Baltic with funds from the European Regional Development Fund. It aims to unlock the potential of the South Baltic’s blue and green growth through cross-border cooperation between local and regional actors.