SMEs in Finland and Estonia often face barriers to international expansion, such as cultural differences, market entry challenges, trade regulations, and logistical issues. With domestic markets reaching saturation, global diversification is crucial, but many lack the skills and resources needed. GGM (Gateway to Global Markets) uses e-commerce as a strategic gateway for SMEs to enter Japan and South Korea. We provide essential digital marketing and export training, focusing on high-potential sectors like superfoods, cosmetics, and beverages. By building strong networks and fostering cooperation, GGM helps SMEs establish profitable and sustainable international operations, reducing reliance on domestic markets.
The project aims to support Finnish and Estonian SMEs in launching export activities to Japan and South Korea through cross-border e-commerce. This will be achieved by building networks, providing cross-cultural training, conducting market research, and developing localized marketing strategies. Additionally, we will streamline order-delivery processes by digitalizing them, enhancing logistics strategies, and ensuring sustainable supply chains.
These efforts will equip SMEs with the necessary tools, knowledge, and partnerships to overcome export barriers, leading to continuous and growing export volumes. The project will produce comprehensive, user-friendly training materials and a Cross-Border Access Plan to ensure long-term success and sustainability in international markets. As a result, participating SMEs will achieve new sales and contracts, fostering economic growth beyond the EU.
The project aims to support Finnish and Estonian SMEs in launching export activities to Japan and South Korea through cross-border e-commerce. This will be achieved by building networks, providing cross-cultural training, conducting market research, and developing localized marketing strategies. Additionally, we will streamline order-delivery processes by digitalizing them, enhancing logistics strategies, and ensuring sustainable supply chains.
These efforts will equip SMEs with the necessary tools, knowledge, and partnerships to overcome export barriers, leading to continuous and growing export volumes. The project will produce comprehensive, user-friendly training materials and a Cross-Border Access Plan to ensure long-term success and sustainability in international markets. As a result, participating SMEs will achieve new sales and contracts, fostering economic growth beyond the EU.
Duration 01.05.2024 - 30.04.2027
Total budget
Programme priority
Innovative Business DevelopmentProgramme objective
PO1 - More exports by SMEsLead partner
South-Eastern Finland University of Applied Sciences Ltd
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