Global Growth - sports industry USA

Norwegian version: Sportsindustri USA

Over the past couple of years, we have seen considerable growth in the number of Americans participating in various outdoor activities and outdoor recreation, as well an increase in consumer demand and spending on sports gear and clothing in the United States - even after pre-pandemic routines were restored.

Norwegian brands have a clear competitive edge and an export advantage, due to their high quality, innovative design and sustainable production systems and materials –which position Norwegian brands as very attractive to discerning and affluent target groups in the United States.

This initiative is connected to Innovation Norway’s assignment to lead the national export initiative for Manufacturing and Design (February 2024). This program will help us reach the overall goal of 50 % increased exports by 2030.

This initative is in cooperation with The Norwegian Industry Association, The Norwegian Sports Industry Association and Team Norway.

Who Should Apply

Companies in Norway that:

• Offer products or goods production within sports equipment/clothing/manufacturing/solutions with high quality
• Have sufficient financial resources and the ability to scale
• Have the capacity to participate in the entire program (we like to see at least two employees involved, so that there is always someone who can participate) and this must be anchored in their board.
• Showcase willingness to collaborate and to share their own expertise and knowledge
• Operate under the notion that we are stronger together when we enter new markets
• Have ambitions and are ready for international growth (e.g. an English website and social media, or an existing strategy to build this)

What we offer

• Three physical gatherings that will focus on knowledge exchange and collaboration; one in Oslo, one in NYC, one in Colorado
• Webinars
• Mentoring; matching with an industry expert

What you gain

The long-term goal is to increase your sales in the American market.

• Increased market insight
• Academic content
• A broadened US network
• Distribution and sales management training
• Business model evaluation
• Sales pitch training
• Branding and marketing strategy
• Collaboration with Norwegian networks/clusters
• Introductions to new meeting arenas

Program

You are invited to a digital information meeting the 3rd of desember where we will present the various opportunities the programme offers.

Program start has been postponed for Q1 2025. Dates TBA.

The structure is as follows:

• US market study seminar in Oslo: February 6, 2025
• Gatherings in Oslo: March 19-20, 2025 - and in November/ December 2025
• "Ask the Experts" webinar series: April to June 2025
• Meetings in the USA: June 15-16 and October 7-9, 2025

Our application portal is ongoing and open for companies who qualify (see above). Please register your interest via the form further down the page, for further consideration.

Cost

NOK 50,000 for participating companies.

Please note that travel costs are not included, and must be covered by participants.

Any Questions? Contact:

New York: Beate Christin Gran Beate.Christin.Gran@innovasjonnorge.no
Oslo: Anita Solheim Pieper Anita.Solheim.Pieper@innovasjonnorge.no