The Export NOW programme aims to increase Danish small and medium-sized enterprises' (SMEs) exports, focusing on green and sustainable solutions. The programme identifies specific export opportunities, and then puts together a group of Danish companies that wish to pursue that specific export opportunity. 

Every export opportunity will be within a sector where The Trade Council has a strategic focus. In addition, a relevant partner will be involved in the process to provide additional expertise and competencies.

The programme consists of two modules:

1. The first module is a workshop where the participants create a joint value proposition. This is done in order to utilize the specific market opportunity in the best possible way.
2. The second module is a market visit, where the embassy in the given market introduces the participating Danish companies to the market opportunity. There will also be an opportunity to meet with relevant decision-makers on the part of the customer. During the visit, an agreement is made on the further dialogue and bidding process.

Each participating company buys between 20 and 50 hours from The Trade Council in order to participate in the program. In addition, participating companies must pay for their own travel costs.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can receive a 50% subsidy on the hours they buy from The Trade Council in connection with participation.

To qualify for the Trade Council’s SME subsidies, a company must meet the following criteria:

• Danish Registration: The company must be registered in the Danish Central Business Register (CVR).
• De minimis: Companies receiving subsidies are required to comply with the European Commission's regulations regarding state subsidies, commonly referred to as the "de minimis rule". Under this rule, companies, when considered on a group level, cannot receive state subsidies exceeding EUR 300,000 over a three-year period. Please notice that exceptions and specific regulations may apply to particular sectors, types of services, etc. For additional details, please visit the official website of the Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs.
• EU SME Definition: The SME category consists of enterprises which employ fewer than 250 persons and have either an annual turnover not exceeding EUR 50 million or an annual balance sheet total not exceeding EUR 43 million. For linked enterprises, the combined headcount and financial figures of all entities within the linked group must be considered. This means that 100% of the linked enterprise's data (employees, turnover, and balance) must be added to those of the company in question to determine if it meets the staff headcount and financial thresholds. For more information on linked enterprises, please refer to the European Commission's "User guide to the SME Definition".

Contact the Export NOW secretariat at [email protected] if you want to know more about the programme.