THE NEED: The amount of food and natural products export from North Karelia is low, like is the processing value of them. Domestic consumption has not grown, which means that the growth of the sector must be found else-where. If the right development measures are taken the local products have a high export potential. This project encourages the local companies to search actively new international markets in Europe. THE OBJECTIVES: The main goal of the project is to improve the capability of local companies to operate in the international markets. After the project the companies can plan their own process of going to a new international market. THE MEASURES: The implementation of the project is divided into three work packages (WP): WP 1: Various events used as training for the project aim WP 2: Using international market specialists in developing new product innovations WP 3: Communication and brand creation THE RESULTS: - Small food and natural product companies have the skills and capabilities to initiate market expansion in international markets (at least 10 companies can sell their products in Central Europe). - Companies network internationally (at least 10 cooperation relationships with a local market partner). - Stroger local brands. - The awareness of responsibility is high, and it is communicated effectively to customers. New responsible innovations are made to tie the customer to the active responsibility chain (at least 3 companies bring a new product to the market and 1 completely new responsible innovation is born). - Companies get substantial media visibility in the target market and have learned to create media connec-tions (at least 40 press, radio, television, and social media publications). - New products are primarily targeted to the international markets.