Blog

SustainableSolutionsMatch 2026 (SSM2026) highlights how international matchmaking can help SMEs and startups find partners, investors, and new business opportunities in the sustainability sector. Organised by the Enterprise Europe Network’s group of experts focused on sustainability, the event brought together over 1,600 participants from 62 countries, facilitating targeted B2B meetings, pitching sessions, and international collaboration. The event offered benefits for both companies seeking to grow internationally and the Network’s colleagues supporting SMEs through high-quality matchmaking and business development services. 

Scaling is widely seen as the natural next step for growing businesses. Entering new markets, finding partners, and expanding operations are common priorities. But for many SMEs, the real challenge comes earlier. Before growth can happen, the business itself needs to be clearly defined, structured, and ready to scale.

Across different sectors, companies supported by the Enterprise Europe Network show that stepping back can be a critical turning point. Whether it is refining a business model, addressing internal bottlenecks, or turning an idea into a viable solution, this phase helps determine long-term success. These experiences highlight the importance of building the right foundations before moving forward.

Ten years can change the shape of a career, but some decisions continue to influence how that journey unfolds long after they are made. In 2015, Susan Hayes Culleton, ‘The Positive Economist’ and experienced international professional,  took her first steps into international markets with the support of the Enterprise Europe Network. Today, exporting remains a core pillar of her business.

Le Terre di Zoè, a family-run business in the agri-food sector, has transformed seasonal agricultural waste into an opportunity for sustainable innovation through a project that brings together art, technology, and agriculture.

Resilience is key to overcoming setbacks, uncertainty, and the daily challenges of running a business. In this blog, communication expert Emma Ewing and well-being coach Tammy Barter break down what resilience means, why it’s crucial for success, and how to build it – so you can make better decisions, stay motivated, and tackle tough situations with confidence.

Colombia is fast emerging as a top spot for entrepreneurs, thanks to its strategic location, booming economy, and skilled talent pool. Thinking about setting up shop there? Here are 5 essential tips from our local business experts to help you launch your dream venture in Colombia.

Krill Design, a start-up in Milan, turns food waste into 3D printed, stylish homeware. Discover their inspiring journey and get 5 insider tips on how to incorporate eco-design into your business.

Embedding sustainability into your daily business operations is not only beneficial for the environment, but can also improve your brand reputation, reduce costs, and attract socially conscious customers. In this article, we’re sharing 5 strategies that will help your business become more sustainable.

Intellectual property is a powerful tool that can help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) thrive in a fierce business world. Small businesses drive innovation, job creation, and economic growth. Yet, many of these ventures face a common hurdle: the lack of resources and know-how to protect their valuable intangible assets. Join us for a conversation with Christina Deyl, Internationalisation adviser for Enterprise Europe Network Hessen, as she shares her insights on how to make the most of your intellectual property.

As clean beauty is reshaping the cosmetics landscape, Four Starlings – a family-owned soap-making business in Poland – is gaining international recognition. We spoke with Grzegorz Sienkiewicz, Managing Director of Four Starlings, and Anna Wrzesińska, Chief Specialist for International Cooperation at Podlaska Regional Development Foundation and Business Adviser at the Polish branch of Enterprise Europe Network, to find out how the Network helped turn this small company into a global success story.