Skills 2 Grow helps founders recruit and retain talent across Nordic borders – applications now open for startups

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Today, Skills 2 Grow opens the applications for startups to join the new nordic programme that equips startups with the increased competence to grow their teams sustainably and successfully. Through a flexible, skill-based structure and a unique cross border perspective, founders will gain the practical tools, legal insights and confidence needed to recruit and retain talent.

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Behind Skills 2 Grow is a strong Nordic partnership spanning innovation ecosystems, academia, business development organizations, and public actors. The project brings together partners across Denmark, Sweden, and Norway – working collaboratively to support startups in building stronger teams through improved recruitment and retention of talent across borders.

The programme builds on a pre-analysis study examining barriers to cross-border talent acquisition and retention among startups in Denmark, Norway and Sweden.

"This new programme provides startups with practical tools and skills to attract and retain talent, while also opening the door to a much larger talent pool across Denmark, Sweden and Norway", says Johanne Milø, Erhvervshus Sjælland.

An ecosystem for talent and growth

By combining local expertise with cross-border perspectives, the project creates a dynamic environment where startups can access the skills, insights, and support needed to grow sustainably. The collaboration is driven through a shared ecosystem of knowledge, networks, and practical tools.

"We aim to engage in early–stage startups and growth-oriented SMEs, especially those planning their first hires or scaling their teams. Companies with ambition to grow and openness to cross-border collaboration are particularly relevant", says Lise Damsbo Savic, Business Lolland-Falster.

Skills 2 Grow is not anchored in one single physical location but rather operates across the Nordic region – connecting people, competencies, and opportunities through workshops, digital platforms, and collaborative programs. This distributed approach reflects the project’s ambition to remove barriers and enable a more integrated and accessible labour market across the Öresund–Kattegat–Skagerrak region.

"Startups don’t grow without the right people. With Skills 2 Grow, we are creating a more connected Nordic talent market, where founders can access the skills, they need to scale", says Catharina Axelzon Popovic, GU Ventures.

"If you want to grow your team, this program gives you the foundation to do it right – understanding how successful recruitment actually works, reducing the risk of costly mis-hires, and discovering that the right person for your role might be living just across a border you haven’t considered", says Victoria Lines, Drivhuset.

"I am excited to collaborate with fantastic and talented colleagues in Sweden and Denmark; and to look forward to meeting and working with early-stage founders as they approach one of their first major milestones: making their first hire! ", says Luiza Grizzelle Impact Startup Norway.

Who can apply?

• Startups based in the Interreg ÖKS region (Denmark, Sweden, Norway)
• Startups planning to make their first hires
• Companies looking to grow their team within the next 12–18 months
• Startups interested in cross-border recruitment
• Teams wanting to strengthen their skills in recruitment and retention

About Skills 2 Grow

Skills 2 Grow is a Nordic collaborative project that aims to strengthen startups in the Öresund–Kattegat–Skagerrak region by improving their ability to recruit and retain talent across national borders. Through competence development programs, networks, workshops, and digital tools, the project creates better conditions for cross-border talent supply and sustainable growth within the region’s startup ecosystem.

The programme builds on a pre-analysis study examining barriers to cross-border talent acquisition and retention among startups in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. This study laid the foundation for the project.