Enterprise Europe Network adviser Rebecca van Leeuwen shares her top five upcoming opportunities for transport sector entrepreneurs to make an impact.
1. Get the latest on the future direction for green transport in Europe
Get ahead of the game by investing some time at this free two day conference on 29-30 November 2017 in Brussels. It offers a 360° perspective of the latest results in EU-funded research on road transport. The event covers everything from green vehicles, to logistics to intelligent transport systems and more. As well as getting better informed, you can also meet the people behind the research and see how your transport idea can play a part in the future.
2. Access the funds you need to grow
All sorts of funding opportunities are out there for innovative small businesses in the transport sector. Come along to the Horizon 2020 Transport Info Day and brokerage event on 13 December 2017. Find out about funding opportunities for your smart, green or integrated transport project in 2018 and meet potential partners. At Enterprise Europe Network, we also advise you on how to move your project forward.
3. Aim for TRA Vienna
Trade shows and big sectoral events can often seem out of reach for small businesses and innovators, but some are positively encouraging their participation. Transport Research Arena (TRA) Vienna will take place on 16-19 April 2018 brings together researchers, companies and public authorities active in the field of transport. If you've got an innovation or solution with high market relevance and implementation potential, apply for the event's Marketplace Poster Exhibition and give it international visibility. Deadline for submissions is 5 December 2017!
4. Plan ahead for European Mobility Week 2018
European Mobility Week takes place every September in towns and cities across Europe, putting the spotlight on sustainably mobility. With initiatives that encourage citizens to seek sustainable transport solutions taking centre stage, why not join in and show how your project can be part of the solution? 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 can help make our cities greener.
5. Get the right advice to grow your business
At the Enterprise Europe Network I'm part of a group of around thirty professionals who make it our business to help companies in the transport sector innovate and grow internationally (we call it the Automotive, Transport and Logistics Sector Group). We organise brokerage events and trade missions to help businesses find international partners. We also help with funding opportunities and give advice on intellectual property and regulations. To find your closest transport adviser, contact your local Enterprise Europe Network partner.
Check out the story of Mate Rimac on Twitter
We're helping Mate Rimac commercialise his electric supercar technology! What's your disruptive idea? #EENCanHelp pic.twitter.com/oVY8CPMe8f
— Enterprise Europe EU (@EEN_EU) October 17, 2017
Rebecca van Leeuwen is an Enterprise Europe Network adviser based in The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO). Rebecca works with a team of colleagues across Europe to create business opportunities for small businesses in the transport sector. In 2016, they organised 17 international business matchmaking events for hundreds of participating companies. So if you're looking for some support to grow your business, they can help.
All images © 2017 Rimac Automobili