Project: Sisu Factory Global Growth: Helping SMEs reach global markets

Growth-oriented companies should internationalise at an early stage in Finland’s small domestic market. The capital region’s innovation ecosystem needs access to new global markets, and its development is constrained by a lack of funding and talent as well as weak connections to foreign markets. Companies need information about target markets and services that support internationalisation.

The project aims to address these challenges by developing a service model that seamlessly integrates customer work with ecosystem collaboration. Additionally, the model uses communication-driven methods to bring SMEs in the capital region together into business clusters, increasing the scalability and effectiveness of the service model. These clusters benefit from strong peer support and synergies.

The service model supports companies either through new tailored services or by directing them more effectively to existing services. Together with partners, the project offers targeted services such as Market Entry programs, coaching sessions and events, as well as support in finding skilled talent. At the same time, gaps in the service network are identified, and new complementary solutions are developed.

The project strengthens the overall conditions for internationalisation, creates new business opportunities, and increases employment and tax revenue. The success of SMEs enhances the attractiveness of the capital region area by drawing new companies, investors and professionals.

Project information

Duration: 9/2025–12/2027

Project partners: City of Espoo, City of Helsinki, City of Vantaa 

Funding: ERDF (Regional Council of Uusimaa)

Read more about this project.(external link, opens in a new window)