European SME capacity to go international can increase by easing cooperation among small groups of companies to improve their competitiveness. Getting together, they can improve performance, increase their visibility and enhance their internationalisation strategy and performance.

The activities envisaged under this action include:

1. Identification/selection of SMEs with potential to successfully participate in an SME network
2. Preparing them for internationalisation, training and coaching
3. Implementation of the SME networking activities
4. Results and policy recommendations
5. Project coordination, management and reporting

Eligible applicants

This pilot project is addressed to the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) partners in the EU that have been awarded a 'framework partnership agreement' for the period 2015-2020.

Budget and project duration

The total budget earmarked for the co-financing of projects is €1,500,000.

The maximum duration of projects is 24 months.

Maximum EU financing rate of eligible costs: The contribution will be up to 90% of the total cost of the project.

Call for proposals

The full text of the call for proposals is available below.

Applications must comply with the requirements set out in the full text and be submitted using the provided forms.

Applicants should use the Electronic Submission System (SEP) to submit the proposal. You will need to create an EU Login account (formerly ECAS) if you do not already have one.

Please note that the deadline for electronic submission is 19 June 2018 at 17.00 (Brussels time).

Additional information, including the updated list of the call's questions and answers, will be posted on this page during the publication stage, so we encourage you to visit it regularly.

Questions on this call for proposals can be submitted by sending an email to: grow-cfp-10479-NESME@ec.europa.eu