Boleo Global organises seminar to bring European and multilateral funding opportunities closer to Andalusian Chambers of Commerce
Organised together with the Andalusian Council of Chambers of Commerce within the framework of the IEA Network, the seminar explored European programmes, multilateral funding opportunities and strategies to strengthen the participation of Andalusian Chambers of Commerce in international projects.
Understanding how Brussels works is no longer enough. Neither is knowing which funding calls are available. Increasingly, success depends on building strong partnerships, developing competitive proposals and navigating an environment where European funding and multilateral financing go hand in hand. This was the central theme of the seminar organised by Boleo Global on 11 June, together with the Andalusian Council of Chambers of Commerce as part of the IEA Network, bringing together representatives from the Andalusian Chambers of Commerce, FAEL and the Official Association of Industrial Engineers of Western Andalusia.
The session was led by Jesús Bores-Lazo, Managing Partner of Boleo Global, Nicolás Woo, European Affairs Consultant based in Brussels, and Silvia Scozia, Head of the Multilateral and Technical Assistance Department. With contributions from CTA (Andalusian Technology Corporation) and Nextwind Consulting, the seminar highlighted a key challenge for Andalusia: while the Chambers have considerable potential to engage in European and international projects, stronger coordination and additional technical capacity will be essential to translate that potential into tangible results.
Understanding Europe’s changing priorities
The European Union is redefining its priorities around industrial competitiveness, the clean transition and innovation, with the aim of strengthening its strategic autonomy. These priorities will shape the next Multiannual Financial Framework and, consequently, the European programmes and funding instruments available over the coming years.
Drawing on his experience in Brussels, Nicolás Woo provided an overview of the current political and institutional landscape and explained how these developments are influencing European priorities. Jesús Bores-Lazo focused on the practical implications for Andalusia, highlighting how the Chambers of Commerce can support local businesses in identifying opportunities and improving their chances of success.
A common message emerged throughout the session: organisations that understand European priorities early are better placed to identify funding opportunities before calls are published. This strategic perspective was complemented by practical experience shared by Marta Salas, Managing Partner at Nextwind Consulting, and Juanita Zenteno, Consultant in the International Projects Department at CTA.
Looking beyond European programmes
The multilateral market also featured prominently during the seminar.
Silvia Scozia presented the opportunities offered by international financial institutions and multilateral development banks, an area that remains unfamiliar to many organisations despite its growing relevance in sectors such as water, infrastructure, energy, technical assistance and institutional capacity building.
Her presentation provided participants with a clearer understanding of how these institutions operate, how procurement and funding opportunities are structured, the requirements for participation and the factors that often determine the success of proposals.
For many attendees, this session broadened their perspective on international funding, highlighting complementary opportunities beyond traditional European programmes.
Building the capacity to compete internationally
Feedback collected after the seminar revealed a shared view among participating Chambers: there is strong interest in increasing involvement in European and international projects, but doing so will require greater technical expertise and stronger collaboration across the Chamber network.
Several Chambers also highlighted the value of developing new forms of internal cooperation to make better use of existing knowledge and experience. Proposals such as inter-Chamber mentoring schemes and regular coordination meetings reflected a clear willingness to strengthen collaboration across the network.
The BOLEO GLOBAL approach
At BOLEO GLOBAL, supporting organisations goes far beyond identifying funding opportunities. Our approach focuses on helping organisations understand the European and international landscape, identify opportunities that match their strategic priorities and build the capabilities needed to turn those opportunities into successful projects.
The seminar held in Seville will continue with a follow-up webinar on 30 June, where participants will explore the needs identified during the session in greater depth and continue working together to strengthen the position of the Andalusian Chambers of Commerce within both the European and multilateral funding landscape.