On 26 June, the Aalborg Institute for Development (AID), in collaboration with AMIS – A More Inclusive Society, welcomed entrepreneurs, business professionals, and international experts to Aalborg for “Keys to Europe’s Market”—an event dedicated to helping businesses understand how to successfully enter and grow in European and international markets.
The event created a unique platform for knowledge sharing, practical discussions, and networking among entrepreneurs who are looking beyond their local markets and exploring opportunities for international expansion.
International Growth Starts with the Right Strategy
Expanding into a new market involves much more than simply choosing a country to export to. Successful internationalisation requires businesses to understand customer needs, market dynamics, cultural differences, regulations, and how to communicate their value proposition effectively.
Throughout the event, participants explored practical questions that many growing businesses face:
- How do you identify the right international market?
- How do you understand what customers truly need?
- How can you validate demand before investing significant time and resources?
- How do you build trust with new customers and business partners?
- What are the most common mistakes companies make when entering foreign markets?
The discussions focused on practical experiences rather than theory, giving participants valuable insights they can apply directly to their own businesses.
Learning from International Experts
The event featured a panel of experienced entrepreneurs and business professionals who have worked extensively with international markets, exports, entrepreneurship, and business development.
Among the speakers were:
- Marcelo Galati
- Heleny Campoy
- Aija Koņiševska Azadi
- Özkan B. Köksal
- Martha Cisneros
- Narcis George Matache
- Sissi Bak
Each speaker shared valuable perspectives from their own professional journeys, discussing both the opportunities and challenges of expanding into European and global markets.
One of the recurring messages throughout the day was that successful exporting is built on preparation, understanding customer behaviour, building trust, and creating long-term relationships—not simply selling products abroad.
Collaboration Creates Opportunities
One of the highlights of the event was the opportunity for participants to engage directly with speakers, ask questions, exchange ideas, and build new professional connections.
The open and welcoming atmosphere encouraged entrepreneurs from different industries and backgrounds to share their own experiences, challenges, and ambitions. These conversations often become the starting point for future collaborations, partnerships, and business opportunities.
Events like Keys to Europe’s Market demonstrate the importance of bringing together local businesses with international expertise, creating an ecosystem where knowledge and experience can be shared openly.
Supporting Entrepreneurs Beyond the Event
At the Aalborg Institute for Development (AID), supporting entrepreneurship does not stop when an event ends.
Our mission is to help entrepreneurs and SMEs strengthen their businesses through practical knowledge, international partnerships, digitalisation, innovation, and access to European opportunities. Whether companies are taking their first steps towards exporting or looking to scale internationally, our goal is to provide guidance, connections, and the right tools for sustainable growth.
We are proud to collaborate with organisations such as AMIS – A More Inclusive Society, whose commitment to inclusion, entrepreneurship, and community-building helps create valuable opportunities for entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds.
We look forward to organising more events that empower entrepreneurs, strengthen international cooperation, and help businesses unlock new opportunities across Europe and beyond.
If you are interested in participating in future workshops, networking events, or international business programmes organised by AID, we encourage you to follow our news and upcoming events.
Together, we can help more businesses grow beyond borders.
