When expanding into Sweden or growing an existing presence, understanding the support landscape can make a significant difference. One of the most important organizations available to businesses is Tillväxtverket, officially known as the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth. This government agency plays a central role in strengthening competitiveness, supporting entrepreneurs, and promoting sustainable regional development. For foreign companies entering the Swedish market, leveraging its programs and resources can accelerate growth and reduce risk.
1. Understanding Tillväxtverket’s Mission
Tillväxtverket is tasked with creating conditions for strong and sustainable business growth throughout Sweden. While it supports Swedish entrepreneurs, its initiatives are also relevant to international companies seeking to establish operations, build partnerships, or invest in Swedish regions. The agency works closely with the European Union, government ministries, and local business networks to channel both national and EU funds into economic development projects.
- Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation in multiple sectors.
- Provides funding for projects that promote competitiveness and sustainability.
- Strengthens regional business ecosystems across urban and rural areas.
2. Financial Support and Funding Opportunities
One of the most direct ways to benefit from Tillväxtverket is through its financial support programs. The agency administers funds that can support companies in areas such as digitalization, internationalization, innovation, and green transition.
- EU structural funds: Projects co-financed by the EU for regional development, often available to both local and foreign businesses.
- Innovation and digitalization grants: Support for businesses adopting new technologies or developing sustainable solutions.
- Export and internationalization support: Programs aimed at helping companies scale beyond Sweden’s borders.
For a foreign company, partnering with a Swedish subsidiary or regional stakeholders can open doors to these programs and make funding more accessible.
3. Access to Regional Business Networks
Beyond funding, Tillväxtverket serves as a connector between companies, municipalities, and business development organizations. Through its network, foreign companies can identify potential partners, distributors, and regional hubs for their activities.
- Introductions to regional innovation clusters.
- Connections with local chambers of commerce and incubators.
- Opportunities to participate in collaborative projects funded at the regional level.
This access is particularly valuable when entering less saturated markets outside Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö, where strong regional ecosystems support growth in manufacturing, clean tech, and digital services.
4. Support for Sustainable Growth
Sustainability is a central theme in both Swedish business culture and Tillväxtverket’s programs. The agency prioritizes initiatives that reduce environmental impact, support circular economy models, and encourage energy efficiency. Companies offering products or services that align with these priorities will find additional opportunities for collaboration and funding.
- Programs dedicated to green transition and climate-friendly innovation.
- Support for reducing emissions in production and logistics.
- Resources for companies aiming to develop sustainable supply chains.
5. Guidance on Regulatory and Structural Issues
For businesses unfamiliar with Sweden’s legal and administrative systems, Tillväxtverket also provides guidance on structural issues that influence competitiveness. While it does not replace legal counsel, its resources can help companies understand broader frameworks that affect business operations.
- Information on regional development strategies and regulations.
- Guidance on navigating EU co-funded initiatives in Sweden.
- Access to studies and reports that support better market decisions.
Making Tillväxtverket Part of Your Market Entry Strategy
For international businesses, Sweden offers more than a strong consumer base—it provides an institutional framework designed to support growth. By engaging with Tillväxtverket, companies can gain access to funding, networks, and knowledge that would otherwise take years to develop independently. Using this agency strategically not only strengthens local operations but also enhances credibility when expanding further into the Nordic or European markets.
Want to integrate Tillväxtverket into your expansion strategy? CE Sweden can guide you through available programs and help position your company to maximize support opportunities.
