For institutions and SME support programmes
For institutions, chambers and SME support programmes
A readiness measurement layer for SME internationalisation
AFT Global helps institutions test EU market readiness before resources are committed, and turn firm-level assessments into cohort-level programme intelligence.
Where AFT sits in SME internationalisation programmes
Most SME support systems already provide
- Export promotion and trade missions
- Matchmaking, grants and advisory
- Institutional bilateral channels
- Multilateral and donor-funded programmes
Yet one question often remains unanswered
Is this specific firm ready to enter, operate and prove itself in the European Union market, before support is committed?
Readiness needs to be tested, not assumed.
What the framework does not do
The methodology is bounded by deliberate distinctions.
- It does not predict commercial success or post-entry performance.
- It does not replace legal, tax, regulatory or commercial advice.
- It does not rank companies publicly or produce statistical league tables.
- It does not disclose calibration parameters, which remain protected.
From firm assessment to cohort intelligence
The same architecture produces two outputs: a decision signal for the firm, and programme intelligence for the institution.
Entity level, Decision Pack output
- Readiness verdict: Go, Conditional Go, or Hold
- Capability profile across seven independent capabilities
- Priority blockers and evidence roadmap
- Next-step sequence for remediation
Cohort level, Programme intelligence output
- Readiness distribution across the group
- Recurring gaps by prevalence and severity
- Programme design priorities
- Sponsor-ready reporting
The firm receives a decision pack. The institution receives programme intelligence.
Where the framework fits in your programmes
Five use cases across the programme cycle.
How the model works
Institution, Agency, Chamber, Embassy
- Identifies the relevant SME cohort
- Provides legitimacy, access and programme context
- Uses findings for programme design
AFT Global, readiness measurement layer
- Runs individual firm assessments
- Produces firm-level and cohort-level outputs
- Supports sequencing recommendations
A contained first engagement before any scale decision
A first engagement tests usefulness within a defined scope. It gives the institution a practical read on firm readiness, cohort gaps and programme relevance, without committing to scale.
| Cohort size | 5 to 10 SMEs |
|---|---|
| Focus | One country, one sector, or a mixed strategic cohort |
| Assessment | Individual EU Market Readiness diagnostic per firm |
| Firm output | Readiness verdict, blockers, evidence roadmap |
| Institution output | Aggregated cohort readiness brief |
| Timeline | 4 to 6 weeks from cohort identification to delivery |
Methodological standing
The methodology is documented in a public working paper and supported by a dedicated framework explainer.