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From advice to action

How Cork Chamber supports SMEs in international expansion

Through the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), Cork Chamber is dedicated to assisting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in expanding into international markets. With the support of the EEN, SMEs have guidance and partnerships to enhance their business operations. Monica Valdes, our EEN advisor, has created an informative Q&A to explain the services provided by Cork Chamber through EEN and how these can benefit your business.

What services does the Cork Chamber’s International Department offer?

Our advisory services are provided through the Enterprise Europe Network, the world’s largest support network for SMEs seeking to internationalise or seek guidance about internal growth and opportunities. This network connects professionals across more than 40 countries, drawing on the expertise of over 450 organisations to deliver tailored services to small and mediumsized businesses.

In which business areas is advice provided?

The Enterprise Europe Network offers advisory support in a wide range of areas including:

• Sustainability• EU Single Market• Digitalisation and Innovation• Internationalisation• Access to Finance & Funding

Is the Network open to everyone, or are there any restrictions on membership?

The Network is open to SMEs (companies with fewer than 250 employees) interested in receiving free, impartial, and confidential advisory services to support their domestic or international growth.

Is there a particular sector that benefits most from this service?

EEN can assist companies across all sectors. Through its network of experts, the Enterprise Europe Network covers a wide range of key economic sectors, including healthcare, agri-food, smart energy, and fashion and textiles.

Does the Enterprise Europe Network offer services for finding international partners, suppliers, or sourcing opportunities?

Partnership Opportunities Database: We manage Europe’s largest online database of business opportunities, featuring thousands of requests and offers for business, technology, and research collaborations from companies and R&D institutions. The database is accessible online and free of charge. You can subscribe for alerts on new requests and offers. Businesses we collaborate with create partnership profiles that are included in this database.

Company Matchmaking: EEN organises events and tradeshows throughout the year, where attendees (both online and in person) can schedule one-on-one B2B meetings with other participants. We can recommend sector-specific events for you to attend.

What is the cost of the service?

The Enterprise Europe Network advisory services are available free of charge to small and medium sized enterprises. The EEN is a European funded programme designed to support SMEs with international ambitions.

What are some achievements of the Enterprise Europe Network at Cork Chamber?

In 2023, we provided advisory support to around 230 companies and fostered successful collaborations and outcomes with several of them. These supports range from business partnering, access to finance, sustainability advice and guidance on accessing new markets.

Are there any funding opportunities available for companies through the Enterprise Europe Network?

At the Enterprise Europe Network we provide support to SMEs in accessing and applying for both EU and national funding.

Recently, through the EENergy call, we helped six SMEs access a fully funded grant of €10,000 each, which enabled those organisations to invest in improving their energy efficiency. Stay tuned for more on the impact they experience through this EU funding.

For more information about the Chamber’s international services and how we can assist your business, please contact Monica and the team at monica@corkchamber.ie

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