From technology to architecture and design, Georgian service sector businesses are exploring new opportunities to take their expertise to European markets.

The European Union and UNDP, through the Inclusive Access to Markets project, are helping these vibrant small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) build skills, forge partnerships, innovate, and strengthen their competitiveness.

The support extends beyond traditional export sectors such as food production and manufacturing to fast-growing service industries, including information and communication technology, consulting, architecture, design, marketing, engineering, and education.

Since 2023, up to 60 service sector companies have benefited from opportunities provided by the EU and UNDP in partnership with the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV) and Visionest Institute. More businesses are expected to join the initiative before the project concludes at the end of 2027.

On 18 September, service sector SMEs met with representatives of the European Union and UNDP to discuss their growth and export potential, the requirements of doing business in EU markets, and the support available to help them become more competitive. Entrepreneurs also highlighted the key challenges Georgian companies face when seeking to establish themselves in European markets.

The discussion built on a series of study visits to Estonia and Finland in April and September 2026. These visits gave Georgian entrepreneurs opportunities to connect with European counterparts, explore potential partnerships, and refine their export offers.

Further study visits are planned through the end of 2026, creating opportunities for more service sector businesses to gain practical knowledge, build connections and explore new avenues for growth.

“The EU has invested significantly in Georgia’s micro, small and medium businesses, supporting over 280,000 SMEs under our EU4Business initiative. With the right connections and opportunities, Georgia’s service sector can bring its solutions to European markets and create lasting benefits for their communities and the country. This is exactly the kind of progress that the European Union is proud to support: helping businesses innovate, align with European standards, access new markets, and become more competitive, domestically and internationally,” said Lucia Di Troia, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Georgia.

“Small and medium-sized enterprises are a major source of jobs in Georgia, providing around 60 percent of private-sector employment. By helping these businesses build partnerships, strengthen their competitiveness, and reach European markets, we are supporting sustainable economic growth and creating new opportunities for people across the country,” said Douglas Webb, UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia.

Small Businesses, Big Opportunities

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for nearly 90 percent of active Georgian businesses, generate 32.3 percent of total business sector turnover, and provide 60.6 percent of private-sector jobs. In other words, six out of ten people employed in Georgia’s private sector work for an SME. [Source: GEOSTAT]

Services are opening new avenues for growth. Galt & Taggart research names information and communication technology (ICT) as Georgia’s fourth-largest economic sector, accounting for 8.2 percent of nominal GDP. With a strong focus on international markets, the sector generated US$842 million in exports in 2024, representing 10.9 percent of Georgia’s total services exports.

With fewer barriers related to physical distance and logistics, service businesses can be well positioned to reach international clients and explore new markets. This offers an opportunity to address some of the challenges that continue to constrain Georgian exporters, as highlighted in the EU and UNDP’s Georgia’s Export Opportunities analysis.

Since 2023, the European Union and UNDP have supported 346 Georgian SMEs, including 60 service sector businesses. The support includes matching grants, co-financing for certification, export coaching, value chain development, and connections with EU partners and buyers.

The results are already tangible: 31 businesses have entered EU export markets for the first time, 985 new jobs have been created, and participating companies have increased their export revenues by an average of five percent.

About the European Union

For more than 30 years, the European Union has built a close partnership with Georgia, supporting its development through knowledge, experience sharing, expertise, innovation, and financial aid. The relationship between the EU and the people of Georgia is based on shared values of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights, and inclusive economic growth. More about the EU’s support for Georgia: EU4Georgia, EU4Business

Inclusive Access to Markets

With funding from the European Union and in partnership with the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV), UNDP is implementing the Inclusive Access to Markets initiative, empowering Georgian SMEs to build their capabilities, enhance value chains, and secure access to the EU and European markets. The four-year project (2023-2027) is funded by the European Union (EUR 5,000,000) and co-funded by UNDP (EUR 162,000).

Media Contacts

• Sophie Tchitchinadze, UNDP, +995 599 196907, sophie.tchitchinadze@undp.org
• Teiko Kandelaki, UNDP, +995 599 103525, tinatin.kandelaki@undp.org 
• Tamar Mikadze, Delegation of the European Union to Georgia, +995 32 2364364, tamriko.mikadze@eeas.europa.eu
• Giorgi Chaduneli, EU4Georgia, +995 599 107333, gic@ntu.eu