• A total of 24 companies in Portugal have now joined ELITE, aiming to accelerate sustainable growth and enhance their access to private and public capital

• The successful launch of this third group, consisting of eight Portuguese companies—part of the second cohort within the World Trade Center Lisboa International Academy—strengthens their position in a forward-looking and dynamic network

   

Lisbon – 12 September 2024 – Euronext, the leading pan-European market infrastructure, today introduced the third group of companies joining ELITE in Portugal, forming the second cohort within the World Trade Center Lisboa International Academy. This latest cohort introduces eight prominent Portuguese companies from seven diverse sectors: Aurea Phigital, Carris, Effisus, Engexpor, Frango Vaidoso, Outeirinho Group, TLG Global, and Transportes Paulo Duarte. Their participation marks a significant milestone, further expanding the ELITE network and building on the success of previous groups. This growth strengthens the diversity and vibrancy of ELITE’s dynamic community.
This new group is announced in partnership with the World Trade Center Lisboa, with the support of BBVA and the Portuguese Family Businesses Association. 
By joining the World Trade Center Lisboa International Academy by ELITE, these companies will become part of Euronext’s ecosystem dedicated to fostering the long-term sustainable growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. As participants, they will benefit from enhanced access to both private and public capital, further solidifying their position within a dynamic and forward-looking network that already includes 24 Portuguese companies in ELITE.
Focusing on internationalisation and trade, experts from Nova School of Business and Economics (Nova SBE), ranked as the best Business School in Portugal, will deliver the training sessions. Additionally, four itinerant workshops will be held in Paris, Amsterdam, Lisbon and Milan offering contents and skills and enlarging networking options to engage with the entire European ecosystem.
The mission of this initiative, designed for Portuguese C-level executives, managers, and top entrepreneurs, is to support their export growth with international matchmaking opportunities through over 320 World Trade Center hubs in 93 countries and the ELITE – Euronext Group ecosystem of more than 2,000 companies and over 200 partners and investors across Europe, with a focus on Italy, France, Portugal, and the Netherlands.

Marta Testi, CEO of ELITE, said:” We are excited to launch the second edition of the WTC Lisboa International Academy by ELITE, a significant initiative to empower Portuguese companies to grow and expand globally. In partnership with World Trade Center Lisboa and with the support of BBVA and the Portuguese Family Businesses Association, we are pleased to welcome eight new Portuguese companies representing seven sectors to our ecosystem. We are committed to providing businesses with the resources needed to grow internationally. Building on the success of our 2023 launch and strong local support, this year marks a pivotal moment for ELITE’s expansion across Europe“.
Luciano Montenegro Menezes, CEO of the World Trade Center Lisboa, said: "The launch of the second edition of the WTC Lisboa International Academy by ELITE highlights the increasing ambition of Portuguese companies to make their mark on the global stage. We are enthusiastic about facilitating their international expansion and are eager to connect them with our extensive  World Trade Centers worldwide network. This initiative underscores our commitment to supporting Portuguese businesses to reach new international markets."
Luís Castro e Almeida, CEO of BBVA Portugal, said: "We are proud to support the 'WTC Lisboa International Academy by ELITE' and contribute to the international growth of Portuguese enterprises. We aim to empower businesses to scale beyond Portugal through innovative financial solutions and strategic insights. This Academy aligns perfectly with BBVA’s mission to drive global expansion and foster sustainable growth, reflecting our commitment to helping companies succeed in an increasingly interconnected world."
José Germano de Sousa, Chairman of the Portuguese Family Businesses Association, said: “It is with great enthusiasm and high expectations that the Association of Family Businesses welcomes the start of the second edition of the International Academy by ELITE, as another excellent opportunity for Family Businesses to grow and consolidate their internationalization."  

 

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