Opening up the border region’s SME-s to the forming of new business connections with entrepreneurs from the other side of the border is one of the ways to achieve a more competitive, open and balanced market. As a first step a research was conducted within the project, gauging the readiness of businesses in the region for cross-border co-operation. The results of the research formed the base for the co-operation of institutions dealing with economic development that came together in joint events to work on the harmonisation of their programmes. Achievements: Opening up the border region’s SME-s to the forming of new business connections with entrepreneurs from the other side of the border is one of the ways to achieve a more competitive, open and balanced market. As a fi rst step a research was conducted within the project, gauging the readiness of businesses in the region for cross-border co-operation. The results of the research formed the base for the co-operation of institutions dealing with economic development that came together in joint events to work on the harmonisation of their programmes.