Professor Keith Schofield, head of The Open University Business School, discusses new incentives to help small businesses trade internationally.
Exporting in the 21st century can feel out of reach for many small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) so it’s good see a new initiative aiming to change things.
The Business Export Exchange Programme (BEEP) has been developed by social innovation and venture business TIN Ventures, in collaboration with us at The Open University.
It takes a phased approach, built as an internal expansion plan for small firms, to open global markets for businesses that have been excluded or cautious until now.
It’s especially aimed at SMEs and those struggling to enter international markets – grappling with the complications of a post-Brexit world where tariffs and restrictions could appear to stifle the global ambition of new businesses.
BEEP offers a dynamic opportunity for small company owners to share core business knowledge with SME founders from dozens of international destinations.
Our academics and trusted insights lie behind this programme, leading the way in cultivating SME business leaders of the future, particularly on an international scale.
BEEP is a three-pronged offering, recognising that there are three key stages for SMEs in embarking on international trade – from the curious / early-stage explorer; to the serious business creator; and then the growth prospector looking to scale up internationally.
It specifically supports the Serious to Growth transitions, ensuring SMEs are investment-ready, culturally fluent and positioned for international expansion.
The need for targeted intervention has never been more evident. The OU’s recently published Business Barometer 2025 shows there’s an appetite and a need to support entrepreneurs and a need for BEEP.
- Phase 1: Export Bootcamp – helping firms assess their readiness to export with a structured audit of products, pricing and capacity – reinforced by a suite of six microcredentials in core business skills.
- Phase 2: Global Co-Pilot Incubator – linking SMEs with export hubs for legal, compliance and trade support – also benefit from the Business School’s Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration.
- Phase 3: Global Trade Accelerator – long-term mentoring, peer networks and risk management support – growth-focused SMEs can also pursue the global online MBA (which is triple accredited via AMBA, EQUIS and AACSB).
BEEP builds on the OU’s successful Open Business Creators programme, which has already helped dozens of new entrepreneurs launch businesses and explore global markets.
We’re delighted to support this multi-stranded offer to SMEs to give them the boost they need to embark on global trade. Please visit the website for more information.
If you are thinking about a new career, or taking the next step in the sector you are in, we can help you get there. Search for your perfect course today and apply by Thursday 11 September for courses starting this October.
There is a later deadline for our MBA and other postgraduate study – apply by Thursday 16 October to start in November.
