Few months before the selected SMEs on the second call of the project go on their mission to Japan, F2F Health Matters launches its third and last call to support the internationalisation actions of SMEs. This time, the target country selected by the consortium is United Arab Emirates (UAE). It gives the European SMEs in healthy food and bio-based value chains an unique opportunity to expand their business to this oversea market and to start new internationalisation journey.

Three types of internationalisation support

SMEs can apply to benefit from three types of internationalisation support. Commercial Lead Support covers the consultancy services of commercial prospection on Arab market. SMEs can get personalised support from external service providers with excellent market knowledge.

The second type of support SMEs can apply for includes Travel Aid to support their participation in a collective internationalisation mission to UAE, organised within this project. SMEs can reimburse their travel costs up to EUR 2 000 and meet potential business partners, leading to new business agreements and promising collaborations.

Complementary to the financial types of support, SMEs can become part of the Elite Programme, which consists of tailor-made training and coaching on technical, innovation and market-oriented topics and provides access to the project’s online community on B2match platform, to skill up on various internationalisation topics.

How to apply

SMEs can apply by submitting the online application form by June 7th, 2023. All applications will be carefully assessed, and the selection will lead to the creation of the SMEs cohort groups. The whole procedure will be finalised by the beginning of July 2023, followed by specialised training sessions and personalised consultancy services to selected SMEs. The internationalisation mission to Arab market will probably take place between January and February  2024. However, based on the profile of Champion SMEs and the advice of the market expert, the mission date can be adjusted.