Global Market Entry Program (GMEP) 2026 Has Officially Kicked-Off!

On February 25th 2026, another edition of the Global Market Entry Program (GMEP) has officially kicked off! Participants will explore opportunities in the German, French, and UK markets, marking an important step in their international growth journey.

More and more entrepreneurs feel that their product or service is ready for the next step, yet at the same time they experience how complex entering a foreign market can be: different business cultures, new regulations, unfamiliar networks and market information that is not always easy to access. The GMEP helps entrepreneurs tackle these challenges in a structured and confident way. The programme is designed for companies that already have a strong position in the Netherlands and want to explore how they can expand into countries such as Germany, France or the United Kingdom.

The 2026 cohort consists of 24 companies from the Metropolitan Region Rotterdam–The Hague. Once again, the program brings together an inspiring and diverse group of entrepreneurs, representing a wide range of innovative sectors. The full list of participants in the Global Market Entry Program 2026 can be found here.

About GMEP

GMEP is a nine-month program consisting of three successive modules: Awareness, Ambition, Action.

• Awareness: Entrepreneurs gain insight into their international potential. What is the demand in the target market? Where do opportunities and risks lie?
• Ambition: Based on these insights, participants sharpen their ambition. Which market is the best fit for the company? Where are the most achievable growth opportunities?
• Action: Participants translate their strategy into a concrete action plan, supported by country specialists who know the local market.

Throughout the programme, entrepreneurs receive guidance through workshops, individual coaching by country experts, market information and even access to their local target group. The programme creates an environment where knowledge is shared, questions can be raised and participants learn from each other. Step by step, they work toward a plan that can be applied directly within their target market.

Partners in internationalisation

The program is delivered in collaboration with internationalisation partners such as the Deutsch-Niederländische Handelskammer (DNHK), Netherlands France Chamber of Commerce (NFCC), Europartnerships Ltd, and Futureproof Retail.