• Two successful ELITE cohorts since July 2023
• Seventeen companies have already joined ELITE in Portugal to accelerate their sustainable growth and access private and public capital markets.
• Companies in the first edition of the WTC Lisboa International Academy by ELITE include Allprocare, C-More, Code For All, FCamara, Grupo Petrotec, Grupo Primor, MCA, Sogenave, Onyria, and Xplor.

Lisbon – 22 May 2024 –  ELITE, Euronext pan-European network of private SMEs today announced the launch of the second edition of the World Trade Center Lisboa International Academy by ELITE. ELITE is Euronext’s ecosystem that supports small and medium-sized private companies in their long-term sustainable growth by connecting them to intellectual, relational, and funding capital.

This new edition is launched today alongside our main partner, World Trade Center Lisboa, a prominent and comprehensive business platform that is part of the global WTC organisation, which has been in existence for over 50 years and spans more than 330 cities in 88 countries. We are also supported by other trusted partners: BBVA and the Family Businesses Association.

Focusing on internationalisation and trade, the Academy's training sessions will be delivered by experts from Nova School of Business and Economics (Nova SBE), ranked as the best Business School in Portugal and 21st in Europe.

International trade statistics from last year show that Portugal exported almost 50% of its GDP, surpassing this threshold in 2022. To maintain this competitiveness, Portuguese companies need access to the best practices in internationalisation, which is precisely what the World Trade Center Lisboa and ELITE – Euronext Group aim to provide in the second edition of the "WTC Lisboa International Academy by ELITE" 2024.

The mission of this Academy, designed for Portuguese C-level executives, managers, and top entrepreneurs, is to support their export growth with international matchmaking opportunities through over 320 WTC hubs in 93 countries and the ELITE – Euronext Group ecosystem of more than 2,000 companies and over 200 partners and investors across Europe, with a focus on Italy, France, Portugal, and the Netherlands.

In addition to education and networking opportunities, the Academy also supports Portuguese businesses in diversifying their financing tools and accessing private and public capital markets.

The first cohort of businesses that joined the WTC Lisboa International Academy by ELITE since July 2023 includes Allprocare, C-More, Code For All, FCamara, Grupo Petrotec, Grupo Primor, MCA, Sogenave, Onyria, and Xplor.

Marta Testi, CEO of ELITE, said: "We are thrilled to announce the second edition of the WTC Lisbon International Academy by ELITE, dedicated to empowering Portuguese companies to achieve unparalleled growth through internationalisation and sustainable practices. Together with World Trade Center Lisboa and our trusted partners: AEF - Associação das Empresas Familiares and BBVA we continue our mission. 
Almost a year ago, ELITE expanded to Portugal as part of the Euronext Strategic Plan 'Growth for Impact 2024,' and this second edition marks a new milestone in supporting Portuguese private companies in their long-term sustainable growth. ELITE includes over 2,000 businesses across Europe. Join us on this transformative journey and unlock global opportunities for your business."

Luciano Montenegro Menezes, CEO of the World Trade Center Lisboa, said: "This second edition of the WTC Lisboa International Academy by ELITE demonstrates the keen interest of companies in expanding internationally. 
We are highly enthusiastic about promoting business opportunities once again and supporting Portuguese companies going abroad. 
We will connect with 320 World Trade Centers in 93 countries, comprising a formidable network of 700,000 companies worldwide." 

Luís Castro e Almeida, CEO of BBVA Portugal, said: "We are delighted to once again support and participate in the second edition of the 'WTC Lisboa International Academy by ELITE,' aimed at assisting companies in expanding internationally and exporting their businesses beyond Portugal. Our objective is clear: to facilitate growth. 
In Portugal, this growth is predominantly achievable through internationalisation, either by exporting or establishing operations overseas. 
Our expertise in this area has been enhanced over time, positioning us to offer valuable assistance to Portuguese companies seeking to expand beyond Portugal's borders. 
The WTC Lisboa International Academy by ELITE aligns with BBVA’s purpose of supporting private companies in financing their internationalisation and growth, shaping our responsible banking model which aspires to achieve a more inclusive and sustainable society."

José Germano de Sousa, Chairman of the Portuguese Family Businesses Association, said: “It is with great enthusiasm and high expectations that the Association of Family Businesses welcomes the start of the second edition of the International Academy by ELITE, as it represents another excellent opportunity for Family Businesses to grow and consolidate their internationalization."

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