On 10 March, the EU launched MobiliseSME – a new programme for SMEs. The programme hosted a webinar as part of the launch to explain how businesses can benefit from participating. Read on to find out more about the programme and how to benefit.
Over the past few years, the EU has developed several programmes and initiatives to support the internal movement of workers and collaboration between companies, especially SMEs. Until now, there hasn’t been a dedicated programme to support employees travelling to other companies abroad and exchanging skills. This led to the creation of MobiliseSME.
What is MobiliseSME?
Funded by the EURES axis of the EU Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) and the European Commission, MobiliseSME is the first mobility programme specifically designed for SME staff. It builds on a successful pilot scheme implemented from 2015 to 2017 and supports secondments and collaborations between European SMEs.
“The main purpose of MobiliseSME is to boost the internationalisation of EU SMEs, enhance their competitiveness and establish a common methodology at EU level for a mobility scheme for staff of SMEs,” explains Jose Enrique Val, Project Manager at Fundacion Equipo Humano. “The programme aims at seizing the full potential of the EU Single Market and one of its most valued assets, SMEs, which represent 99% of businesses in the EU.”
What are the benefits for SMEs?
The programme offers practical and financial assistance to SMEs by organising and supporting short stays (1-6 months) with SMEs in other EU countries. These secondments are co-financed by the EC with monthly grants between €560 and €1,100 depending on the cost of living in each country. These grants cover integration, accommodation, travel and training costs.
The grants and the secondments are not the only benefits of participating in MobiliseSME. It also offers tailored sessions on how to internationalise products. Participating SMEs can take advantage of the extensive networks that local contact points belong to, increasing their visibility at EU level. The programme also provides SMEs with tools and information to find business partners in the EU, expand their business, products and services, and to improve their knowledge, skills and competences.
How can I participate?
Participating in the programme is easy! You can begin by visiting the MobiliseSME website and checking your eligibility. The next step is registering on the matchmaking platform to find a suitable peer with help from local contact points. Lastly, develop your skills and competences in host companies to strengthen your international business partnerships in the EU Single Market. You can register online up until mid-2022.
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