Euro Info, information and advice for the international projection of Madrid companies

Expanding into new markets requires accurate and reliable information about their characteristics and idiosyncrasies in order to understand the potential returns and risks of investment. In the Community of Madrid, several specialized centers handle inquiries from companies interested in establishing a presence beyond our borders. These are the Business Information Centers (EIC). The one at the Madrid Institute for Development is one of them.

The Euro Info network, with more than 300 centers in Europe, is present in Madrid through several EICs, such as the one at IMADE.

In 1987, the European Commission, through its Directorate-General for Enterprise, and in collaboration with various regional institutions dedicated to supporting SMEs, created the European Business Information Centres (EICs) to provide European businesses with a tool for obtaining information, guidance, and advice. These were the first points of access to EU information, making available to SMEs a wide range of specialized information, as well as a series of advisory services for developing their businesses in Europe.

To carry out their primary task of responding to inquiries, the EICs have three resources at their disposal: the services of the European Commission, those of a dedicated technical assistance office, and the Euro Info Centres network itself, which comprises more than 300 centers throughout Europe, plus similar centers in the Mediterranean and Latin America. This network constitutes a source of added value, since, on the one hand, it enables a local agent to respond to issues specific to its geographical area, while, on the other hand, each EIC becomes a potential partner for organizing joint activities aimed at business cooperation.

IMADE

In the Community of Madrid, businesses and organizations have access to several Business Information Centers (EICs) where they can raise their questions and resolve their doubts. Among the most notable are the Madrid Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Madrid Institute for Development (IMADE). Both, with over ten years of experience, are available for consultations and carry out various information and promotional activities aimed at raising awareness within the business community on issues of significant importance.

IMADE, established in 1984, has been a driving force for the economy through five key strategic lines: promoting Madrid, fostering entrepreneurial initiatives, developing infrastructure, and promoting innovation and the internationalization of Madrid's SMEs. Externally, this center has supported the integration of Madrid companies into international markets, promoting the Community of Madrid as an ideal location for foreign investment, and implementing an export initiation program. In addition to providing companies with specific information on the opportunities they seek before deciding to invest in the region, IMADE attends international forums, organizes presentations, and hosts foreign delegations.

Regarding the communication activities carried out by IMADE, the International SME Bulletin stands out. This bulletin is distributed free of charge to 25.000 companies, organizations, and institutions in the Community of Madrid, and includes information on calls for proposals, European programs, European Union contracts and tenders, offers and requests for business cooperation, the agenda of trade missions, business meetings, workshops, conferences, and more. Furthermore, IMADE, in collaboration with the Madrid Chamber of Commerce, has published several books of interest to SMEs and a series of catalogs showcasing the Community of Madrid's exportable offerings. These catalogs include lists of companies categorized by product for distribution abroad and the promotion of products and services, all available in trilingual versions. The publication of bilingual sector reports for foreign investors, also available on the Community of Madrid's government website, is another communication initiative designed to analyze sectors of interest with the capacity to attract foreign investment.

To achieve its objectives, IMADE has three sections: International Promotion, Foreign Investment Area, and Euro Info Centre (EIC). The latter, in collaboration with the European Commission, offers information and advisory services on European programs, EU legislation, and specific publications. The EIC also gives priority support to the program for promoting business cooperation as a model for identifying and leveraging complementarities between companies.