Applications are now open for Pitching for Global Markets, an international coaching programme designed to help creative industry businesses strengthen their pitching skills, sharpen their growth stories and prepare for new opportunities in global markets. The application period runs from 16 to 25 October 2026, and the programme takes place during weeks 44–47.
For creative businesses looking to expand internationally, a compelling pitch can open doors to new partnerships, investment opportunities and markets. Communicating a company’s value proposition clearly and confidently is essential when engaging with international investors, buyers and potential business partners.
Pitching for Global Markets is designed to help creative entrepreneurs and growth-oriented companies take the next step towards internationalisation. The programme offers practical coaching, expert feedback and opportunities to develop the skills needed to communicate business potential to international audiences.
The coaching programme is delivered by EIT Culture & Creativity as part of the EU co-funded Digital Creative Industries and Beyond project.
Pitching for Global Markets addresses these challenges by helping participants refine how they present their businesses and communicate their ambitions.
Throughout the programme, participants will work on developing a clear, engaging and persuasive pitch that resonates with international stakeholders. The coaching focuses on identifying business strengths, sharpening value propositions and translating growth ambitions into compelling narratives.
Participants will also strengthen their presentation skills and learn how to adapt their messages to different audiences, including investors, potential customers, buyers and strategic partners.
The aim is to help creative businesses communicate their potential more effectively, build confidence in international business situations and improve their readiness to pursue opportunities beyond their domestic markets.
The programme combines hands-on coaching with expert guidance to support participants in developing their pitching and communication skills.
Rather than focusing solely on presentation techniques, the coaching encourages businesses to examine their overall growth stories and consider how their products, services and business models can be positioned in international markets.
During the programme, participants will:
Develop a compelling pitch: Learn to present their business ideas, products and services in a clear, convincing and memorable way.
Refine their value proposition: Identify and communicate what makes their business distinctive and valuable to international audiences.
Strengthen their growth story: Build a coherent narrative that connects their business strengths, commercial potential and international ambitions.
Receive expert feedback: Benefit from practical guidance and constructive feedback from experienced professionals.
Build confidence in international encounters: Improve presentation and communication skills for meetings with investors, buyers and potential partners.
Expand professional networks: Connect with other growth-oriented creative businesses and strengthen their readiness for international networking.
The programme will be conducted in English, allowing participants to practise communicating their business ideas in the language commonly used in international business environments.
Pitching for Global Markets is aimed at creative industry companies and growth-oriented businesses with the ambition and potential to expand internationally.
The programme is particularly relevant for companies that have a scalable product, service or business model and are interested in exploring new markets, partnerships or funding opportunities.
Businesses from a wide range of creative sectors are encouraged to apply, including audiovisual production, gaming, music, design, fashion, literature, performing arts and other creative industries.
Applicants should demonstrate credible international growth potential and a clear motivation to develop their business and pitching capabilities.
The programme is suitable for companies seeking to strengthen their international positioning, whether they are preparing to approach potential partners, present their business to investors or explore new commercial opportunities.
Applications for Pitching for Global Markets are open to 25th of October 2026.
The coaching programme will take place during weeks 44–47 (26th of October–22nd of November 2026), with English as the working language.
Participating companies will be selected based on their credible international growth potential and motivation to develop their business and pitching skills.
For creative businesses aiming to reach new audiences, attract international partners or strengthen their position in global markets, the programme offers an opportunity to turn business ambitions into a clearer and more convincing international growth story.
Take the next step towards international growth and apply for Pitching for Global Markets by 25 October 2026.
The coaching programme is delivered by EIT Culture & Creativity, a European innovation community dedicated to strengthening the sustainable growth, competitiveness and transformation of the cultural and creative sectors.
EIT Culture & Creativity supports creative businesses and professionals through development programmes, networking opportunities, skills development and access to funding opportunities. Its activities aim to help the cultural and creative sectors unlock their innovation potential and strengthen their role in Europe’s economy.
EIT Culture & Creativity operates in seven European countries. Its northern regional hub, EIT Culture & Creativity North, is based at the Cable Factory (Kaapelitehdas) in Helsinki and serves the Nordic and Baltic countries, northern Germany and northern Poland.
Through initiatives such as Pitching for Global Markets, EIT Culture & Creativity contributes to building stronger connections between creative businesses, international markets and innovation ecosystems.
Pitching for Global Markets is organised as part of Digital Creative Industries and Beyond, a project co-funded by the European Union.
The project aims to strengthen the skills, sustainability and ecosystems of the digital creative industries while supporting the development of new business opportunities.
By bringing together expertise from different sectors and supporting the development of creative businesses, the project contributes to a more competitive and resilient creative economy.
The project is implemented by the City of Helsinki, Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and Aalto University.
Digital Creative Industries and Beyond runs from 1 November 2023 to 30 November 2026. Its total budget is €1,026,630, of which €615,969 is provided through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
The Pitching for Global Markets programme supports the project’s objectives by helping creative businesses develop the communication skills, commercial understanding and international readiness needed to pursue new growth opportunities.