Excel in Export Programme
A practical training program for SMEs in the Uusimaa region, designed to help companies open their first export market or seek growth in a new one. Products and services must be produced in Finland. Each participating company is supported by an experienced export coach.
The Excel in Export Programme consists of three phases.
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.
1. Export Analysis - module (free) (max 2 weeks)
- Together with an experienced business advisor from the ELY Centre, your company will assess the current state of international readiness. This includes evaluating the international business expertise of key personnel and the general prerequisites for starting exports.
- The company selects a target market and, in collaboration with the ELY business advisor, develops a preliminary internationalization plan.
- Participants (1–2 people per company) are expected to contribute approximately 8 hours of work, which includes responding to an online questionnaire, two meetings with the ELY business advisor, and independent research and planning work.
- The total time allocated for this module is a maximum of two weeks.
- Progressing to the next module is optional. The current state assessment may be sufficient on its own.
2. Export Journey (490 €, VAT 0 %) (duration max. 2 months from the date of ordering the service)
- Collaboration with a professional export coach begins.
- The preliminary internationalization plan developed in the Export Analysis module is expanded into a roadmap that outlines concrete actions for implementing a successful export project.
- The roadmap defines learning and development goals for both the participants and the company, along with specific actions to achieve them.
- Participants are expected to contribute at least 32 hours of work. The coach contributes 12 hours, of which at least 8 hours are spent in practical collaboration with the participant through remote or in-person meetings or phone calls.
- The company receives a final summary describing areas for development and an assessment of the readiness to launch a concrete export project.
- The module can be completed within two months. One to two people from the company may participate, and the price remains the same.
- Progressing to the next module is optional. The company retains the internationalization roadmap for independent use.
3. Export Coaching (2600 €, VAT 0%) (duration max 10 months from the date of ordering the service)
- The company launches a concrete export project based on the previously developed plan, supported by a familiar coach.
- The coach provides timely and targeted guidance and advice throughout the implementation.
- The participant gains valuable insights into the target market, useful networks, business culture, and other specific characteristics of the market.
- The participant is expected to contribute at least 120 hours of work. The coach is committed to at least 40 hours of collaboration through in-person or remote meetings and phone calls.
- The module can be completed within 10 months. One to two people from the company may participate, and the price remains the same.
"Japan and South Korea import more than half of their food and raw materials from abroad. Finnish companies have the potential to succeed."
Juho Rissanen
Excel in Export Coach
Export Maker 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 strong demand for new solutions, especially in technology, health tech, the green transition, education, food, and sustainable innovations—precisely the areas where Finnish SMEs have much to offer. While competition is intense, the size and purchasing power of these markets present enormous opportunities. Success depends on having the right contacts, cultural understanding, and solid business insight. The U.S. market has recently experienced turbulence and unexpected changes, making Canada a potentially more attractive option 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.
Why participate in the Excel in Export Training Programme?
1
Support for developing your own expertise - The international business skills of your company’s key personnel will deepen and strengthen throughout the program.
2
Flexible and tailored coaching - Excel in Export offers a non-stop programme that adapts to the needs of companies.
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.