Internationalisation of Small Businesses

Unlocking global potential for the world’s most dynamic enterprises

Small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) make up more than 90% of businesses worldwide and form the backbone of industries, supply chains, and innovation ecosystems. Their agility, specialised capabilities, and responsiveness to change make them essential contributors to global competitiveness.

Yet despite their potential, SMEs face unique barriers when entering international markets. Limited resources, fragmented information, complex compliance requirements, and a lack of structured pathways often prevent them from accessing global opportunities.

Why SMEs Matter in Global Markets

SMEs drive:

  • Innovation and niche expertise
  • Supply chain resilience
  • Local and global competitiveness
  • Job creation and economic growth
  • Technological advancement
  • Environmental and social impact

 

Their products, services, and technologies increasingly participate in international value chains — but many struggle to scale beyond domestic borders.

The Challenges SMEs Face

SMEs often encounter:

  • Limited access to global market intelligence
  • Complex and unfamiliar compliance requirements
  • Resource constraints
  • Difficulty identifying credible partners
  • Fragmented support systems
  • Uncertainty around sequencing and readiness

 

These challenges are not due to lack of capability — but lack of structure.

GLOBAL+1 focuses on empowering SMEs to become born‑global by design, unlocking opportunities that extend far beyond their domestic markets.