Excel in Export
We support the key personnel of small and medium-sized enterprises in Uusimaa in developing their international business skills. Whether you’re launching your first export project or aiming to grow in new markets, we provide the tools and guidance to help you succeed.
Why participate in the Excel in Export training?
1
Support for developing your own expertise - The international business skills of your company’s key personnel will deepen and strengthen throughout the programme.
2
Flexible and tailored coaching - Excel in Export offers a non-stop programme that adapts to the needs of your company.
3
Capture your first export market - The aim is for participants to open their first export market or increase their exports during the programme.
4
Support and expertise along the way - Excel in Export offers export analysis, coaching and expert support for internationalisation.
How coaching works
1
Export Analysis
The program begins with evaluating the company’s international business capabilities and overall readiness. Based on this assessment, a target market is selected, and a preliminary internationalization plan is created.
2
Export Journey
Together with a coach, your company will develop a practical roadmap for launching exports. The plan will include clearly defined development actions to strengthen your readiness and ensure successful market entry.
3
Export Coaching
The company initiates a hands-on export project with the support of a coach who has become familiar with the business. The guidance is practical and tailored—offering actionable advice and step-by-step support throughout the process.
"Italy and other Southern European countries are investing heavily in digitalization and the green transition. There is clear demand for Finnish solutions that support these developments."
Marjaana Karjalainen
Excel in Export Coach
Kris & Vasco Oy
Frequently asked questions
1) You will gain a clear understanding of the skills and resources required for successful export operations. 2) Your international business expertise will be strengthened. 3) You will have the opportunity to launch a concrete export project with the support of an experienced export coach.
The Excel in Export programme is intended for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in Uusimaa that aim to start export operations or expand into new markets during 2025–2026. One to two people from each company may participate.
The three-phase Excel in Export program begins with the Export Analysis module, which is free of charge. The participation fee for the Export Journey module is €490, and for Export Coaching, €2,600. The participation fee is per company and does not depend on the number of participants (1–2 people).
Excel in Export programme can be completed within up to 12 months, depending on the company’s needs and situation. A significantly faster pace is also possible. The time allocated for each module is as follows: Export Analysis – 2 weeks, Export Journey – 2 months, Export Coaching – 10 months.
In the Excel in Export programme, each company selects one of the following target market areas: Sweden and Scandinavia (Norway, Denmark) Poland, Ukraine, and the Baltic countries Germany and German-speaking Europe (Austria, Switzerland) France and the Benelux countries (Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg) Italy and Southern Europe (Portugal, Spain, and Greece) United Kingdom and Ireland Japan and nearby markets (Australia, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam, Indonesia, Hong Kong, and China) USA and Canada
Are you looking for growth in these countries?
The Nordic countries offer an ideal and low-risk export area for Finnish companies, regardless of industry. Their close geographical proximity, cultural similarities, and stable economic environment make trade smooth and predictable. The Nordics value high quality, innovative solutions, and sustainable development, giving Finnish products and services a strong competitive edge. The unified Nordic market also facilitates long-term internationalization and the further development of export capabilities toward other parts of Europe and the world.
The Baltics, Poland, and Ukraine offer exporters three fairly different yet appealing market areas. Finnish and Scandinavian companies have a particularly strong presence in the Baltics, where competition is often less intense than in Poland—a market six times larger than the Baltics. Both the Baltics and Poland are becoming increasingly developed and affluent regions, offering interesting business opportunities. Ukraine’s reconstruction will be one of Europe’s largest projects, opening up significant opportunities—but with a higher level of risk.
Germany and the broader German-speaking region (Austria, Switzerland) represent a highly attractive and diverse market area, offering significant growth opportunities for Finnish companies. The region combines strong purchasing power, a robust industrial base, and a keen interest in technological advancement. German-speaking markets place a high value on quality, reliability, and innovative solutions. Their central location in Europe and excellent logistics connections also open doors to broader internationalization across Europe and beyond.
France and the Benelux countries offer Finnish companies diverse markets that combine a strong industrial base, digitalization, and an EU-driven green transition. Key sectors include energy, smart mobility, healthcare, and financial technology. These are regulated and culturally distinct markets, so success requires local partnerships, adapted communication, and a clear go-to-market strategy. Growth demands long-term commitment but delivers brand value and a gateway to broader EU markets.
Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Greece are investing heavily in digitalization and the green transition, accelerated by EU recovery funding. Finnish solutions are in demand across sectors such as energy, healthcare, infrastructure, and manufacturing. Italy and Spain offer large and dynamic markets, Portugal serves as an agile pilot platform, and Greece provides a gateway to Southeast Europe. Long-term commitment and customer-centric approaches are key to success in these markets.
The United Kingdom and Ireland offer Finnish companies advanced, high-purchasing power, and digitally sophisticated markets. Key opportunities lie in sectors such as healthcare, cleantech, SaaS services, and educational technology. Market entry requires a precisely targeted go-to-market strategy, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to respond quickly to customer needs. Success hinges on a clear value proposition, a scalable sales model, and the ability to demonstrate the solution’s impact quickly and credibly.
Japan and East Asian countries are major export economies, specializing in industries such as shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, and microchip production. These markets are increasingly interested in Finnish solutions, including software and components. In addition to purchasing technology, companies in the region are also willing to invest in Finland. Japan and South Korea import over half of their food, many consumer goods, and raw materials from abroad. In East Asia, business is built on relationships—a friend buys from a friend. Without local expertise and a strong network, it can be difficult to even start conversations with potential contacts and customers. We provide hands-on support at every stage of the export journey.
The United States and Canada are the world’s largest and most advanced consumer markets. There is a strong demand for new solutions, especially in technology, health tech, the green transition, education, food, and sustainable innovations—areas where Finnish SMEs have much to offer. While competition is fierce, the sheer size and purchasing power of these markets present enormous opportunities. Success requires the right contacts, cultural understanding, and solid business acumen. The U.S. market has recently experienced some “turbulence” and unexpected changes, making Canada an increasingly attractive alternative for SMEs: it’s an open market with a free trade agreement and growing interest in European products. For example, the beverage sector currently offers real opportunities. In North America, fast action, reliability, and value-driven solutions are expected. Without local expertise, it can be challenging to gain a foothold or reach key decision-makers.
Contact us: vientikunto@ely-keskus.fi
For more information on the coaching, please contact:
Santeri Raappana
Project Coordinator
040 123 4567
santeri.raappana@ely-keskus.fi
Maarit Haavisto-Koskinen
Project Manager
040 123 4567
maarit.haavisto-koskinen@ely-keskus.fi