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The project “Inter-Municipal Actions to Support the Extroversion of Western Athens Enterprises” strengthens the capacity of the area’s businesses to grow, innovate and claim their place in new markets, in Greece and internationally.
The Project’s Identity
The project is implemented by the Development Association of Western Athens (ASDA) within the framework of the Integrated Territorial Investment / Sustainable Urban Development (ITI/SUD) strategy for Western Athens, and is co-funded by the European Union through the “Attiki 2021-2027” Regional Programme. It covers the nine Municipalities of Western Athens and runs from 2026 to 2028.
The project’s main development arm is the digital platform business4extroversion.gr: a single point of access to digital tools, market data, specialised reports and business support services. This digital infrastructure is complemented by in-person activities — business missions to international trade fairs with organised B2B meetings, thematic workshops and extroversion conferences — which bring the businesses of Western Athens into direct contact with markets, partners and know-how.
The Purpose
The purpose of the project is to support the capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises to grow in regional, national and international markets, and to establish Western Athens as a dynamic business and investment destination.
From the First Initiative to a New Era of Global Outreach
The project “Inter-Municipal Actions to Support the Internationalization of Businesses in Western Athens” builds on the initiative of the Development Association of Western Athens (ASDA) to strengthen entrepreneurship and facilitate small and medium-sized enterprises’ access to new markets.
The initiative began during the 2014–2020 programming period with the project “Horizontal Services to Support and Disseminate Entrepreneurship in Western Athens,” implemented under the Integrated Territorial Investment (ITI)/Sustainable Urban Development Strategy (SUDS) of Western Athens, through the “Attica 2014–2020” Operational Programme.
As part of this first initiative, the Business4extroversion digital platform was developed, providing businesses with access to specialized digital tools and business support services. At the same time, business missions to international trade fairs and organized B2B meetings created opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and exploring new commercial partnerships.
The new project, MIS 6038821, builds on the infrastructure and experience gained during the previous programming period, expanding the range of support available to businesses. Co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the “Attica 2021–2027” Programme, it combines upgraded digital services with targeted actions for business preparation, international promotion, and business networking.
In this way, the two interventions form part of a long-term effort to strengthen the internationalization, competitiveness, and international presence of businesses in Western Athens.
The Objectives
This purpose is pursued through three interconnected directions:
Empowering businesses
Upgrading the capacities, skills and know-how of SMEs, with emphasis on export readiness, finding trade partners and building sustainable competitive advantages. The project’s open digital platform aspires to become an everyday working tool for every active business in the area.
Networking and synergies
Establishing business partnerships at local, national and European level, disseminating good practices and exchanging experience, and shaping common strategies for business development in Western Athens.
Promoting the area
Showcasing Western Athens as a destination for investment and business growth, attracting prospective investors and promoting innovative entrepreneurship.
