EXPEDIRE – export qualification and business partner search in Slovenia and Austria

The funded project EXPEDIRE is part of the INTERREG Va Slovenia-Austria and aims to raise support for small and medium sized companies (SMEs) in Austria and Slovenia. One of the objectives is to support new exporters on their journey abroad and initiate cross-border partnerships.

On the one hand, companies obtain the necessary knowledge and skills in the tailored qualification programme called “Export Academy” in order to cope with the challenges of international business. The Export Academy offers in-class modules and online trainings which match the needs of the participating businesses. To support potential new exporters in the best way possible on their export journeys, individual coachings and advice sessions are offered.

On the other hand, businesses with export experience are not left out and have access to the same support. With the precise search for cooperation partners together with assistance and appointment arrangements, companies get supported on the path to long-term cooperation. The target group for this project are businesses (SMEs) looking to export in all sectors within the programme area.

In order to gain most profit as long as possible, successful advice structures will be expanded and used intensively after the project finishes.

All in all, the project offers the following services:

• support in searching for cooperation partners in Slovenia
• networking events with Slovenian businesses
• further education on export within the framework of the Export Academy
• coaching and support on Export

*The Export Academy is a qualification programme for all businesses within the programme area that either are at the beginning of their export journey or have already embarked on this adventure. First, small groups of people work on the topic areas from a practical viewpoint. Then, even smaller groups of people work on them individually and on a case-by-case basis. Following each module within the time period of three months, the participants may take advantage of a three-hour “advice package” with the respective professionals. These highly valuable qualification seminars are offered within the framework of the EU project EXPEDIRE. They are free of charge as the resources are being provided by the ERDF, the European Regional Development Fund (Cooperation programme Interreg V-A Slovenia-Austria).