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SustainX Latvia: SME Trainings & Ecosystem Workshops Strengthen Sustainability and Innovation Capacity (Jan–Feb 2026)

In January and February 2026, the Latvian Technological Center (LTC) delivered a series of high-impact activities under the SustainX Programme, combining SME capacity building with ecosystem engagement at national and Nordic-Baltic level. The programme in Latvia focused on helping SMEs better understand sustainability as a business driver, develop stronger and more innovative business models, and connect with support organisations and funding mechanisms – particularly in the area of digitisation and innovation.

These actions brought together SMEs, stakeholders and ecosystem actors through practical workshops, case-study-based learning, and structured pitching formats that encouraged real exchange and follow-up collaboration.

SME Training No. 1 – Sustainability (Riga, 14 January 2026)

The first training session introduced SMEs to the role of sustainability in entrepreneurship, highlighting how sustainability is increasingly linked to competitiveness, market access, and resilience. The session supported participants in translating sustainability from a broad concept into business-relevant actions and priorities.

Key topics included:

  • Sustainability as a strategic pillar for entrepreneurship and growth
  • Practical integration of sustainability into SME operations and decision-making
  • Financial support instruments for SMEs in 2026, including how SMEs can prepare for upcoming opportunities
  • Individual discussions tailored to company needs and next steps

The training was implemented in a hybrid format, allowing broad participation.

SME Training No. 2 – Business Innovation Model (Riga, 20 February 2026)

The second session focused on Business Model Innovation, delivered as a mandatory component of the SustainX programme to ensure SMEs gain practical tools to strengthen their innovation readiness. The training emphasised active participation and hands-on work.

Main elements of the session:

  • Practical workshop approach with facilitated exercises
  • SME case studies and in-depth company analysis
  • Development of a one-pager pitch (who the SME is, what it offers, what it is looking for)
  • Use of the Opportunity-to-Action Canvas to translate opportunities into actionable steps

Ecosystem Expansion Workshop with Stakeholders (Riga, 20 January 2026)

To strengthen the ecosystem dimension of SustainX, LTC organised an Ecosystem Expansion Workshop with Stakeholders, combined with the programme’s training activities in Riga. The objective was to connect SMEs with stakeholders and support organisations, provide updated information on support schemes, and foster dialogue around collaboration opportunities.

The workshop featured contributions from:

  • Ms Anita Abola (SustainX Advisory Board member, Investment and Development Agency of Latvia), who presented upcoming support programmes for SMEs.
  • Mr Edgars Vizins, who provided insights into the Digital Accelerator of Latvia (EDIH Latvia), focusing on where SMEs can access support and funding for digitisation.

A key part of the workshop was the SME one-pager pitching, enabling SMEs to present their profile and needs in a concise and structured way – triggering discussions and potential follow-up collaboration with stakeholders.

Overall participation reached 28 people, including 18 SMEs, 10 stakeholders, and 2 online attendees.

SustainX Nordic Ecosystem Event (Tartu, Estonia, 23 January 2026)

LTC also participated in a Nordic-Baltic ecosystem event in Tartu, Estonia, involving stakeholders from Latvia, Estonia, Norway and Finland. The event focused on ecosystem building across borders, with particular emphasis on:

  • Digitisation and innovation support
  • ICT education and skills
  • Introduction to the I3 instrument, supporting the development of partnerships and project ideas under I3 programmes (with a focus on creative and digital sectors)

The event gathered 11 participants, including universities, business support organisations and innovation actors. Outcomes included increased awareness of the I3 instrument, new partnership connections, and early-stage project idea development.

Looking Ahead

Through these activities, LTC successfully combined SME training, stakeholder interaction, and international ecosystem exchange, supporting SustainX’s overall mission: enabling SMEs to build capacity, connect to support mechanisms, and move from learning to actionable innovation and sustainability progress.

Stay tuned for more SustainX activities across regions and follow our news for upcoming events and opportunities.