The project, UNIZO Internationaal 'Go North', focuses on small and medium sized enterprises with a growth potential in the three countries through the creation of networks with local partners.
This will be accomplished through mutual networks and the creation of a ‘train the trainer’ network. Through this network, UNIZO Internationaal will create a transfer of know how to the entrepreneurs with growth potential. UNIZO International will search for adequate partners in Flanders and Europe. Many markets (read as the European markets) are not or insufficiently known by entrepreneurs from southern Africa.
Communication, acquisition of export knowledge, exchange of experience, knowledge of demand creation, creation of a higher added value, own production facilities, technical company experience, analysis of target groups are key points of attention which will be taught and improved through tailor-made education of entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurship or exporting on the off-chance will, thanks to the project, be steered into the right direction. Therefore, one will rely on amongst others, the existing local SEDA, CTA and MCCC structures and private organisations (SME organisations, NGO’s,…) and a network of local experts to be educated by the project ‘Go North’. Points of attention are the services and knowledge through interregional and transnational relations of marketing, management, introduction of products and/or services, … on the European market.
The auto-financing of entrepreneurs and their survival through well-considered profitability studies in cooperation with the experts enforce the success of the elaboration and results of this project. A tailor-made project for interested companies in the three countries, with attention for the stability of their international market.
The great experience of UNIZO and UNIZO Internationaal with regards to providing information to starting entrepreneurs, the support and coaching of existing companies through primary advice, individual coaching, new letters, knowledge platforms, creates a solid basis for the guiding of exporting and importing companies. Together with experts, the UNIZO coordinator in South-Africa, Mozambique and Malawi provides a constant feedback on the location or through the virtual network.
Through the creation of a website where Africa and Flanders can meet each other, an import helpdesk, a network of experts, a trade lexicon and above all, the creation of a network between companies from South-Africa, Mozambique and Malawi and entrepreneurs from Flanders and by extension the European Union, the entrepreneurs will be able to find each other on a virtual and informative level.
Contacts through conferences in Flanders and in the three countries can result in more business start ups, an efficient network and cooperation.