InterTradeIreland has launched a new sales development programme, Elevate, to help small businesses to embark on cross-border exports with a view to looking further afield to the UK and Europe.

Fully funded by InterTradeIreland, Elevate will provide eligible companies with support up to €11,000 to access approved industry marketing experts to help them identify new cross-border markets.

Liam Nellis, CEO for InterTradeIreland, said:

"Our research shows that 54% of businesses have been severely affected by the slump in domestic demand due to the economic downturn and that exporters are significantly outperforming those companies which are not dependent on their local market.

"In response to this, we developed the Elevate programme, in partnership with small firms, to encourage small businesses to look to new markets across the island which could potentially increase their sales and help them to recover and grow. This is a first step process in an export path for companies and will open avenues of opportunity to the UK, Europe and beyond."

Elevate facilitates access to advice from a trade and marketing expert who will develop and implement a sales plan for a business. The programme consists of an assessment of readiness to enter a new market and practical assistance on generating sales.

Further information can be found at the InterTradeIreland website.

Source: bizstartup.ie, 24/11/2011