Enterprise Europe Network adviser Joana Afonso shares her top five upcoming opportunities for water-saving entrepreneurs to make a splash.
1. Find the right international partners at AquaMatch
Have you ever been to an international brokerage event? Now is the time to expand your international water network and find business, technology or development partners. On 2 November 2017 AquaMatch – our international brokerage event on Water Technology, Water Management and Innovation – will take place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Before you go, talk to your local Enterprise Europe Network adviser on how to get the most out of your B2B matchmaking meetings. Our job is to help small businesses grow internationally, so all it will cost you is your time.
2. Access the funds you need to grow
Stop thinking that EU funding is out of reach. Over the next two years there will be €30 billion available in funding for environmental projects under the EU’s Horizon 2020 Programme. Learn about the funding opportunities for 2018 and meet potential partners at the information day and matchmaking event in Brussels on 8-9 November 2017. At Enterprise Europe Network, we also advise you on how to move your project forward.
3. Gain international visibility at Green Week 2018
Put yourself out there on the international stage. The EU’s Green Week will take place from 21-25 May 2018 with events in Brussels and across Europe. A call for partner events and other contributions will be published before the end of 2017. Keep your eyes peeled for opportunities to show how you are part of the solution to make our cities greener.
4. Join a business mission to Japan
From 21-25 May 2018, selected European companies in the Environment & Water Technologies sector will be able to take part in an EU-funded market scoping mission to Tokyo. Companies will join the EU Pavilion within the N-EXPO 2018 to showcase their products and technologies to potential business partners. They will benefit from pre-arranged business meetings and interpreters for meetings with Japanese companies. Interested? Download the business mission information for more details and apply by 2 February 2018.
6. Connect with global water tech hubs
Did you know that the Dutch city of Leeuwarden holds the title of United Nations Innovating City for water technology? In other words, you don't want to miss its flagship event: European Water Tech Week Leeuwarden 2018 (EWTW 2018). It's aim is to connect global water technology hubs. So save the date and get connected: September 24th-27th 2018, Leeuwarden WaterCampus.
Joana Afonso is an Enterprise Europe Network adviser based in the Camara do Comércio e Industria do Centro (CCIC) in Coimbra, Portugal. Working with a team of colleagues across Europe, Joana leads the Network’s efforts to create business opportunities for companies in the environment sector. In 2016, they organised 15 international business matchmaking events with more than 1,400 participating companies. So if you're looking for some support to grow your business, they can help.