Image
XPANDE PROGRAMME
Published on 07 August 2020
Spain
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
Xpande is a programme developed by the Chamber of Commerce of Spain (and implemented in the territory by local Chambers of Commerce). The programme is funded with ERDF from the European Union (2014-2020).
BENEFICIARIES: SMEs, micro-SMEs and self-employees coming from all economic sectors.
The main objective is improving the capacities of the companies interested in internationalisation processes (with or without experience) based on a series of measures/support, according to the needs and features of every participant.
IMPLEMENTATION IN THE PROVINCE OF BURGOS (SPAIN)
Chamber of Commerce of Burgos signs a cooperation agreement with the local co-financer (Society for the Development of the Province of Burgos, SODEBUR).
Chamber of Commerce opens a selection procedure for interested companies (established in municipalities with less than 20.000 inhabitants). Participants will benefit of a 12 months Programme divided into 2 different phases:
• Support for drafting an individual Internationalisation Plan
For free for the participant (50% ERDF + 50% SODEBUR)
• Financial support (co-financing) for the development/
implementation of the Internationalisation Process in the company
9.000 € maximum (VAT included).
50% ERDF + 50% private funds from the participant.
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES: Research, Dissemination/promotional materials, Advertising, Participation as exhibitors at fairs, Commercial trips, Promotional actions, Registration of patents and trademarks / Certifications.
BENEFICIARIES: SMEs, micro-SMEs and self-employees coming from all economic sectors.
The main objective is improving the capacities of the companies interested in internationalisation processes (with or without experience) based on a series of measures/support, according to the needs and features of every participant.
IMPLEMENTATION IN THE PROVINCE OF BURGOS (SPAIN)
Chamber of Commerce of Burgos signs a cooperation agreement with the local co-financer (Society for the Development of the Province of Burgos, SODEBUR).
Chamber of Commerce opens a selection procedure for interested companies (established in municipalities with less than 20.000 inhabitants). Participants will benefit of a 12 months Programme divided into 2 different phases:
• Support for drafting an individual Internationalisation Plan
For free for the participant (50% ERDF + 50% SODEBUR)
• Financial support (co-financing) for the development/
implementation of the Internationalisation Process in the company
9.000 € maximum (VAT included).
50% ERDF + 50% private funds from the participant.
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES: Research, Dissemination/promotional materials, Advertising, Participation as exhibitors at fairs, Commercial trips, Promotional actions, Registration of patents and trademarks / Certifications.
Resources needed
Cooperation agreement between a Chamber of Commerce managing ERDF funds and a local public entity co-financing activities. Participants (private companies) and external providers for the implementation of actions in phase 2 (initially detected in the Internationalisation Plan drafted in Phase 1).
Evidence of success
Xpande Programme is considered not only an initiative to promote internationalisation among rural companies but also a tool for maintaining economic activity and creating new jobs.
It is also an evidence of success that it is developed by a local experienced and well known entity as the Chamber of Commerce of Burgos.
Three finished editions (2017, 2018 and 2019).
19 rural companies participating.
346.800 € invested (72.300 € coming from the local co-financer in Burgos, SODEBUR).
It is also an evidence of success that it is developed by a local experienced and well known entity as the Chamber of Commerce of Burgos.
Three finished editions (2017, 2018 and 2019).
19 rural companies participating.
346.800 € invested (72.300 € coming from the local co-financer in Burgos, SODEBUR).
Potential for learning or transfer
Xpande Programme is a tool which can be considered as good practice because of the good results obtained.
• Tool for not only maintaining economic activity but also creating new jobs in rural areas. Fight against rural depopulation.
• In situ advice/support for rural companies.
• Co financing 50% of implementation activities in phase 2 (Internationalisation Plan for free in phase 1).
The structure of the Programme is clearly defined as well as all actors involved in the implementation.
On these grounds, a public entity at local or regional level (Municipality, Provincial or Regional Government – or any related or depending agency with competences in economic development) could act as local co-financer.
• Tool for not only maintaining economic activity but also creating new jobs in rural areas. Fight against rural depopulation.
• In situ advice/support for rural companies.
• Co financing 50% of implementation activities in phase 2 (Internationalisation Plan for free in phase 1).
The structure of the Programme is clearly defined as well as all actors involved in the implementation.
On these grounds, a public entity at local or regional level (Municipality, Provincial or Regional Government – or any related or depending agency with competences in economic development) could act as local co-financer.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
Organisation
Chamber of Commerce of Spain
Spain
Castilla y León
Contact
Project Manager