Virtual Export Training
Launch your cleantech company into the Nordics
The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is offering export training to up to 20 eligible California cleantech businesses focused on the Nordic markets with renowned international market entry advisor Trade Horizons. Learn what it takes to export your cleantech product or service to the Nordics!
Cost
The cost to participate is $500 per company.
Why participate
The Nordic region is setting the standard for renewable energy in Europe by exceeding targets, rapidly scaling up clean energy capacity, and pioneering new technologies. Their success demonstrates that ambitious climate goals are achievable with the right mix of policy, innovation, and investment. This region is a hotbed for cleantech companies, a dynamic and lucrative landscape to accelerate your growth.
Nordic exports of green power and fuels will be a cornerstone of Europe’s decarbonization, providing clean energy, enhancing security, and supporting the transition to a fully integrated, low-carbon energy system. Here’s why the region is generating global attention:
1. World-Leading Renewable Energy Adoption
-All five major Nordic countries surpassed the EU’s 2030 renewable energy target (42.5%) as early as 2023
2. Cleantech as a Major Innovation and Economic Driver
-Around 140 new cleantech companies are founded annually in the Nordics
-The sector is a significant employer and source of wealth
3. Massive Investment and Funding Activity
-Over €7 billion in VC funding flowed into energy storage between 2018–2023
-Circular Economy companies attracted €3.3 billion (including €1.9 billion for H2 Green Steel)
-The Nordic cleantech sector is expected to need over €15 billion in equity funding between 2024–2028 to maintain its growth trajectory
4. Global Impact and Leadership
-The Nordics are home to many of Europe’s cleantech pioneers, particularly in batteries, electric vehicles, and green steel
-The region’s vision is to become the world’s most sustainable and integrated region by 2030, with coordinated efforts across power, heating, transport, and industry
5. Energy Security and Climate Solutions
-Cleantech for Nordics aims to pioneer industries that slash carbon emissions and increase energy security, not just for the region but for Europe as a whole
6. Diverse and Abundant Renewable Resources
-The region leverages a mix of hydro, wind, biofuels, geothermal, and solar energy
-Norway and Iceland rely heavily on hydropower and geothermal, with Norway producing 98% of its electricity from renewables and Iceland nearly 100%
-Sweden and Finland have invested in biofuels and renewable wastes, while Denmark is a leader in wind energy and is investing in Power-to-X (PtX) technologies for green hydrogen and synthetic fuels
7. Policy, Investment, and Vision
-Nordic countries have made renewable energy a cornerstone of their policy and economic strategy, aiming to become the world’s most sustainable and integrated region by 2030
-Ambitious investments in grid expansion, energy storage, and decarbonizing hard-to-electrify sectors (like industry and transport) keep them at the forefront of the green transition
Program Overview
An overview of the Nordics region and what you need to consider when entering as a US cleantech company. This training will be run from July – September 2025, online.
-The program is delivered live as 10 x 1-hour training modules and supported by relevant course materials.
-The program is recorded and companies will be able to access the materials via a separate website.
-Each company will receive a 30-minute One-on-One coaching session focused on market entry strategies and provide feedback and guidance on the export plan for the company’s product or service in Nordic markets.
Session 1: Welcome to the Nordics Cleantech Market
-The Nordics Region (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden)
-Cleantech trends driving growth in the Nordics region
-Cultural awareness and ways of doing business in the Nordics region
Session 2: Market Selection
-Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland and Iceland. What are the different opportunities?
-Legal considerations (contracts and IP)
-Ways to achieve success
Session 3: Scandinavian Business Culture
-How to navigate the regional value set and nuances between the markets
-Learn Nordic appropriate negotiation tactics
-Key players and distribution channels (online, retail, professional)
Session 4: Logistics and Customs
-Rules of EU and non-EU EEA Nordic countries
-How to leverage trade incentives (free trade zones, trade agreements)
Session 5: Compliance
-Regulatory and compliance (product registration)
-Regional environmental regulations
-Overcoming regulatory challenges
Session 6: Distribution Channels
-Selecting the right channels for each Nordic market
-Key players and mapping the routes to market
-How to build your go-to-market strategy
Session 7: Government Support
-Obtaining assistance from Federal, State and local government programs
-Connecting with Nordic government assistance
Session 8: Finance
-Accessing sources of funding to support investing in the Nordics
Session 9: Pricing Strategies
-Ways to price your offering for the different Nordic countries
-Marketing your product in the region (PR, social media, tradeshows, trade missions)
Session 10: Pitching in the Nordics
-Understand the cool and polite Scandinavian persona
-The Nordic purchasing decision-making process
Dates for Program
-Session 1 – 15th July 2025 – 9 – 10 am PST
-Session 2 – 22nd July 2025 – 9 – 10 am PST
-Session 3 – 29th July 2025 – 9 – 10 am PST
-Session 4 – 5th August 2025 – 9 – 10 am PST
-Session 5 – 12th August 2025 – 9 – 10 am PST
-Session 6 – 19th August 2025 – 9 – 10 am PST
-Session 7 – 26th August 2025 – 9 – 10 am PST
-Session 8 – 2nd September 2025 – 9 – 10 am PST
-Session 9 – 9th September 2025 – 9 – 10 am PST
-Session 10 – 16th September 2025 – 9 – 10 am PST
Participation Requirements
Companies must meet the following eligibility requirements:
-Legally incorporated in California in the cleantech sector in the United States.
-Have significant operations in California
-Meet the Small Business Administration’s small business size standards
-Been in operation for at least one year
-Export goods with at least 51% US content
-Registered to do business in California
-Have products readily available for sale and export
Working with Trade Horizons
Trade Horizons is a London-based international market entry consultancy. They provide full-spectrum assistance to US companies to identify, develop and grow sustainable revenues in new geographic markets. They support cleantech firms through the key phases of market entry – Align, Prepare and Launch.
Support for this project will come from Trade Horizons offices in the U.S., U.K. and Sweden.
Presented by Trade Horizons in collaboration with GO-Biz. Training courses commissioned and financially supported by the State of California to empower small businesses to expand to the Nordic markets of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden.
