Grow Nordic and Baltic

We help startup companies scale up

Duration of the project

1.5.2026 – 31.10.2028

Source of funding

Central Baltic Programme

Total funding

912 995 €

The project supports innovative, growth‑oriented digital startups from Estonia, Sweden and Finland in scaling their businesses. Through close cross‑border cooperation, partners from regional startup ecosystems jointly design and implement a structured scale‑up process. The process is delivered in two rounds, selecting a total of 64 startups to participate. Its aim is to enable at least 30 companies to reach scale‑up status.

The Grow Nordic and Baltic project addresses a shared regional challenge: many promising digital startups in the Nordic and Baltic countries struggle to scale their operations in an increasingly demanding investment and market environment. Today, startups are expected to demonstrate strong product maturity, customer traction and scalable business models at an earlier stage than before. This creates a clear need for targeted, high‑quality scale‑up support that goes beyond national ecosystems and leverages cross‑border expertise and networks.

Project implementation and partnerships

To respond to this challenge, the project brings together partners representing startup ecosystems in Finland, Sweden and Estonia, each contributing complementary expertise and close access to growth‑oriented startups. Together, the partners jointly design and implement a structured, cross‑border scale‑up process that supports startups in developing their growth readiness, refining their strategies and increasing their chances of successful scaling. The cross‑border approach allows startups to access a broader pool of mentors, investors and peer companies, while also learning from different markets and ecosystems.

Key functions and content

The core activities of the project include identifying and selecting promising digital startups, conducting baseline and needs analyses, and providing tailored coaching and mentoring throughout the scale‑up process. Startups participate in themed workshops, coaching sessions and networking events that focus on key scale‑up topics such as business development, internationalisation, funding readiness and organisational growth. The programme is implemented in two cohorts, with a total of 64 startups selected to take part over the project lifetime.

Effectiveness and objectives

In addition to the structured activities, Grow Nordic and Baltic places strong emphasis on long‑term impact and sustainability. The project builds lasting cross‑border networks between startups, mentors and ecosystem actors, and supports the creation of an alumni community that continues to share knowledge and opportunities after the project. The goal is that at least 30 participating startups reach scale‑up status, contributing to stronger, more resilient startup ecosystems across the Nordic and Baltic region.