Grow Global Estonia
Practical export programme for Estonian companies and specialists entering international markets.
A trained export specialist and an updated market-entry plan for a chosen international target market.
О программе
Estonia's economic growth depends on exports, yet companies are short of people who can actually sell abroad. Input costs have risen, supply chains and markets have shifted, and export sales specialists — people who combine language skills, an international network and the patience to build trust — are rare on the labour market.
At the same time thousands of capable people aged 55 and over are pushed out of the labour market by attitudes rather than by skills. This age group holds exactly what export sales requires: strong English, international experience, management background and credibility in negotiations.
Grow Global connects the two needs. Companies that want to grow exports and experienced candidates are recruited in parallel; at a matchmaking event the company chooses its own candidate, and over the following months we train that person specifically for that company's export need. A mentor with international sales experience supports both sides through the first months in the new role.
The programme runs from August 2026 to January 2028 and is implemented by Visionest Institute with support from the European Social Fund+ measure for improving jobseekers' employment opportunities. At least 46 people complete the training and at least 40% of them are employed during the programme or within six months of finishing it; around 60 exporting companies are engaged.
The value does not end with the training. Participants move into long-term roles where client relationships keep growing, companies gain first-hand proof that a 55+ specialist brings trust and stability, and the training–employer–mentoring model stays in use for future cohorts.
Описание
Grow Global brings together Estonian companies that want to grow exports and experienced people aged 55+ with strong English and an international background. The company chooses its candidate, and over the following months we train that person specifically for that company's export needs. The second half of the programme is mentoring: every participant works with an experienced international sales practitioner who supports both the learning and the first months in the new role.
Подход
Why it matters. The international competitiveness of Estonian companies is under pressure — input costs have risen and markets and supply chains have shifted. Exports are the key to growth, yet export sales specialists are scarce. At the same time capable people aged 55+ are pushed out of the labour market by attitudes rather than skills. Grow Global turns that mismatch into an advantage: in export sales, trustworthiness, communication and life experience are strengths. How it works. Participants and companies are recruited in parallel. At a matchmaking event companies meet candidates and make their choice. A five-month B2B international sales development programme follows, applying everything learned directly to the chosen company's real export tasks. By the end the candidate is employed, and the mentor keeps supporting them through the first months in the new role.
Результат
Candidates: at least 46 participants complete the training programme and at least 40% of them are employed during the programme or within six months of finishing it. Companies: a finished or updated international market-entry plan, practical tools for growing international sales, and trained and mentored export sales capability inside the team. Conditions. Candidates are expected to be 55 or older, to hold higher education, to speak English at C1 level and to have at least two years of international work, study or living experience. Companies are expected to be registered in Estonia, to export or have export potential, preferably with turnover from 600 000 euros, and to be ready to employ the person they choose.
Для кого
- Candidates: aged 55 or over and living in Estonia
- Candidates: higher education
- Candidates: English at C1 level
- Candidates: at least two years of international work, study or living experience
- Companies: registered in Estonia and exporting or export-ready
- Companies: turnover from 600 000 euros preferred
- Companies: ready to employ the specialist they choose during the programme
Тренеры
Partners & funders
Частые вопросы
How can a company join?+
Register on the company page. We map your hiring need and target markets, introduce pre-selected candidates in September 2026, and you make the hiring decision yourself by 20 October 2026 at the latest.
How can a candidate join?+
Apply on the candidate page. Shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview and then to matchmaking with Estonian exporting companies in September–October 2026.
When can I hear more?+
Free online info days take place on 18 and 26 August and 4 September 2026 — companies 12.00–13.00, candidates 14.00–15.00.
What language does the programme run in?+
English. All sessions, materials and mentoring are in English, and candidates need C1-level English.