International growth for Danish SMEs: Go global, smart and safe

the course

Amid shifting geopolitical landscapes, fragile supply chains, and increasingly unpredictable global markets, Danish SMEs face both extraordinary risks and unparalleled opportunities.

International Growth for Danish SMEs: Go Global, Smart and Safe is a one‑day, hands‑on executive mentorship course that helps leaders move from a reactive stance to a proactive, strategy‑driven approach to international expansion.

Built on cutting‑edge insights from international business research and grounded in real Danish SME cases, the course equips you to evaluate markets and entry modes, manage cross‑border operations, and address internationalization risks systematically.

You will leave with a concrete 90‑day international growth plan that aligns ambition with capability and risk awareness.

In one intensive day, you’ll gain strategic clarity, personalized feedback, and the tools to strengthen your company’s global growth with speed, focus, and resilience.

Delivered in English—the global language of international business—the program provides an authentic environment for Danish executives to think, plan, and communicate as they would with foreign partners, customers, and investors.

As part of the course each participant receives two complimentary one‑to‑one sessions with the instructors: one before the workshop to shape learning around your company’s specific challenges, and one afterwards to support implementation of your specific 90-day international growth plan.

Participating in this course signals ambition and readiness: you’re not just planning to export, you’re preparing to scale internationally with structure, agility, and confidence. Join a select group of forward‑thinking Danish executives to exchange ideas, refine your company’s global strategy, and strengthen your competitiveness in an increasingly interconnected world.

Not theory. Not consulting. This course is a research-based growth accelerator that turns insight into action through practical tools, Danish SME cases, and tailored guidance—helping leaders take decisive, low‑risk steps toward growth in international markets.

This course is taught in English – the global language of international business.

Key Learning Outcomes

By the end of the one‑day program, participants will be able to:

• Diagnose their company’s readiness and growth potential for international markets by linking resources, capabilities, and strategic motivations to realistic expansion goals.
• Select and justify high‑potential markets and suitable entry modes using evidence‑based screening tools and partner evaluation frameworks.
• Design or adapt an international business model that aligns products, pricing, and operations with target‑market requirements and company strengths.
• Manage risks by estimating key cost drivers and identifying risk sources.
• Leverage digital platforms and Danish sustainability advantages as strategic tools to enhance market access, partner collaboration, and brand differentiation abroad.
• Translate insights into a 90‑day international growth plan with concrete objectives, milestones, and accountability that will be reviewed through individualized post‑course mentoring

In short: you’ll be ready to accelerator your international growth.

who should attend

This program is designed for owners, founders, and senior executives of small and medium‑sized Danish enterprises who are considering, preparing for, or currently managing international expansion.

It is particularly relevant for leaders who:

• want to enter new foreign markets but need clarity on where and how to start.
• are already exporting and wish to strengthen their international strategy, improve partner management, or scale up current activities.
• seek to reduce the risks associated with operating abroad through better strategic and financial planning.
• aim to leverage digital tools and sustainability credentials to open new global opportunities.
• prefer a practical, time‑efficient learning experience that produces concrete outcomes directly applicable to their business.

Typical participants include:

• CEOs, Managing Directors, or Founders of SMEs
• Commercial or Business Development Directors
• Export Managers or International Sales Managers
• Second‑generation family business leaders managing global growth
• Danish firms in manufacturing, technology, design, or professional services

Course Content Overview

The course consists of two key components: One Full Day + Pre/Post Coaching

• Pre-course 1:1 Diagnostic (30 min, online): Analyze your firm’s current internationalization efforts and define your primary challenges.
• 1-Day On-Site Workshop at Aarhus University
• Post-course 1:1 Coaching (60 min): Review implementation and refine your roadmap.

Program