Contact Us 75% funding for your next steps in growth markets
Develop new markets, utilize digital opportunities in export, or recruit international skilled workers
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from Default. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More informationYour path into new markets
With Digital Gateway Emerging Markets (DiGEM), Styrian companies can receive funding for tailored, external consulting services for their internationalization projects.
The program supports selected companies with 75% of the incurred consulting costs and accompanies them from the initial assessment to a concrete Action Plan.
DiGEM runs from September 1, 2025, to August 31, 2027. DiGEM is co-funded via SFG Styrian Business Promotion Agency using funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Further information on the IBW/EFRE & JTF program can be found at “www.efre.gv.at“.
What can you use the DiGEM funding for?
Develop new markets
Would you like to diversify your export markets or prepare a specific project in an emerging market?
Eligible external consulting services may include, for example:
- Market, target group, and competitor analyses
- Localization of products and services
- Machability and feasibility studies
- Suitable sales structures in the target market
- More resilient international supply chains
This allows you to evaluate a new market more thoroughly and prepare your market entry more effectively.
Driving digitalization in export
Digital processes and Artificial Intelligence are also changing international business. DiGEM can fund external expertise to help you utilize these opportunities specifically for your company.
These include, for example:
- AI implementations and process development
- Compliance and legal advice for new markets
- Qualification measures for employees
The crucial factor is that the consulting fits your internationalization project and the strategic development of your company
Recruit international skilled workers
International expansion often requires additional competencies within the company.
DiGEM can support consulting services related to the following topics, among others:
- Intercultural training and know-how building
- Sustainable skilled worker strategies
- Recruiting international talent
Who can apply for the funding?
DiGEM is aimed at export-oriented companies based in Styria with high regional value creation. Funding is particularly considered if you:
are pursuing a specific internationalization project in one or more emerging markets and/or wish to strategically address digitalization or international skilled worker development.
We will clarify together during the application process whether your company and your planned project meet the requirements.
How high is the funding?
For selected companies, DiGEM can cover 75% of the costs of eligible external consulting services. The company bears a corresponding personal contribution and actively participates in the implementation of the project. Which services are eligible in a specific case and to what extent funding is possible will be examined during the consultation and selection process.
Which countries count as emerging markets?
DiGEM is focused on internationalization projects in a broad group of international growth markets. These include markets in Africa, Asia, North and South America, and other regions. A specific DiGEM country list applies to the funding.
Three steps to DiGEM funding
Emerging Markets Fit Check
Take about five minutes and start with the Emerging Markets Fit Check.
This will provide you with an initial structured assessment of your company’s starting position. At the same time, the Fit Check is the first step in applying for DiGEM funding.
Personal export consulting
Based on your results, we will discuss your project with you personally.
This involves, among other things:
-
- what international goal you are pursuing,
- where your company currently stands,
- what challenges you want to solve,
- what external expertise might be useful for this.
In this way, an initial idea evolves into a clearly defined internationalization project.
Action Plan
In the next step, a concrete Action Plan for your project is developed. It bundles the starting position, goals, and planned measures and serves as a further basis for selection for funding. Once the required documents are complete and your project meets the requirements, the concrete implementation can be prepared.
Your DiGEM team at ICS
Abigail Garcia
Project Management DiGEM
Lisa-Maria Katholnig
DiGEM Project Management
Alexandra Kohrgruber
Project Management, DiGEM
The project sponsor is
Steirische Exportservice GmbH
A 100% subsidiary of ICS Internationalisierungscenter Steiermark GmbH
The export service organization of the Styrian economy
Lindweg 33, 8010 Graz
+43 316 601 400; office@ic-steiermark.at
www.ic-steiermark.at
Frequently asked questions about DiGEM
With DiGEM, selected export-oriented companies from Styria can receive 75% of the costs of eligible external consulting services. The consulting can cover market development, digitalization in export, or international skilled worker strategies, among other things.
The program is aimed at export-oriented companies based in Styria with high regional value creation that are pursuing a suitable internationalization, digitalization, or skilled worker project.
Possible topics range from market and competitor analyses, localization, and sales strategies to AI and process consulting, as well as intercultural training and international skilled worker strategies. Specific eligibility is examined individually for each project.
Upon admission to the program, 75% of the costs of eligible external consulting services can be covered.
The first step is the Emerging Markets Fit Check. This is followed by personal export consulting and the development of an Action Plan. These steps form the basis for selection for funding.
There is a specific country list for DiGEM including markets in Africa, Asia, and North and South America, among others. Before starting the application, you should check whether the desired target market is included.
Yes. External consulting services related to AI implementations, process development, compliance, and qualification measures can be relevant within the program, provided they meet the funding requirements.
International skilled workers are one of the three DiGEM focus areas. This can include external consulting services on skilled worker strategies, recruiting international talent, and intercultural know-how.