Services for SMEs to exploit their export potential in the changed circumstances created by COVID
About this good practice
For the beneficiaries, especially for potential exporters without experience in the foreign market was a challenge to present their business activity effectively and to build new relationships online. In this challenge it was a great help that the beneficiaries of the priority project offer a wide range of services that helped them to deal with these new online solutions. For the main beneficiaries of the priority project (HEPA and MFA) the redesign of actions, changing the whole scope of the project in a short period of time were the greatest challenges as the project implementation has started at the same time when the pandemic stroke. The uncertainty of the timeframe of the lock down and of the circumstances were the most challenging part. In that time no one knew which the best solution is; rescheduling the time plan or redesigning the supported activities. Due to the pandemic the following new measures were developed in the project to correspond COVID impact :
- Providing access to training and teaching materials online.
- Providing support for the use online services as well.
- Supporting the organizations of online meeting and roadshows as well.
- Covering the costs of providing appearance in an online exhibition space.
- Covering the costs of online platform rental.
- Providing financial support for the organization of special trainings and workshops online.
Resources needed
The financial frame of the call has changed from HUF 1 billion to 1.5 billion.
Evidence of success
Thanks to the project - among other measures serving to boost the export potential of enterprises - it is worth to highlight that despite of COVID-19 pandemic Hungary’s export volume increased by 3.3% in 2020. The aim of the project is to provide services to a minimum of 250 domestic SMEs.
Potential for learning or transfer
The Managing Authority was flexible to modify the supported project elements under changed circumstances as well, in order to facilitate the implementation of activities with an international focus.
Instead of focusing only on attending events, the programme focused on developing the entrepreneurial skills that SMEs need to enter foreign markets. The aim of the project is to provide services to a minimum of 250 domestic SMEs. Compared to previous, similar support schemes in the framework of this project, the foreign market entry was preceded by targeted consultancy, training and preparation in order for the SMEs to have a customised and clear strategy for starting their export activity. An export maturity measurement system was introduced and online learning materials for SMEs were developed to prepare them for entering international market. And these activities were adapted to the world created by COVID.
Good practice owner
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