The Hansa Export Award is a prize for exceptional achievements by companies in member cities of the Union of Cities THE HANSA.
This annual award celebrates innovation, growth, and outstanding achievements in international trade, reflecting the rich heritage of Hanseatic trade and cooperation.
The aim is to motivate local companies so they would expand globally while strengthening the reputation of the region and its image as a centre for international trade.
FIRST EDITION
The Hanseatic city of Stargard is excited to be the first to kick off the Hansa Export Award during the International Hanseatic Day in 2026. The Hanseatic city of Deventer along with the MKB Trade Office from Deventer are keen to support their partners from Stargard in organizing the Business Forum, including the first edition of the Award.
OBJECTIVES OF THE AWARD
Recognition: to spotlight the companies who excel in export innovation, market expansion or create a significant impakt in new countries
Inspiration: to encourage international companies to pursue international opportunities by highlighting success stories
Economic growth: to strengthen the economic growth of Hanseatic cities by encouraging companies to adopt an export-oriented strategy
Cooperation: to stimulate partnership and B2B cooperation between companies, especially SME’s in the Hanseatic cities and their associations
SELECTION CRITERIA
A business should comply with at least two criteria to become eligible to compete:
• Export growth: demonstrate a significant increase in export volumen or revenues, or a growth in export market in compareson with the business sector
• Market access: prove successful expansion into new international markets
• Innovation: evince the introduction of innovate practices, products or services in the export process
• Sustainability: show commitment to SDG goals
• Resilience: having overcome challenges in the international trade landscape
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Every Hanseatic city nominates one company for the award. It is up to each city to decide how the nominations are made.
The application form and any additional information, such as application deadlines, will be posted on the official website of the Union of Cities THE HANSA.
DATES & DEADLINES
Dates & Deadlines for applications for the award in 2026:
31 March: Closing date for submitting the name of a company for the award
31 March - 15 April: Jury creates a longlist of 10 companies
15 April: Publication of the longlist
4 May: Deadline to submit videos
7 May: Jury selects the shortlist of 5 companies
14 May (or about 1 month before Hanseatic Day): shortlist published
HOW TO APPLY
Filling in the application form - provided by the organizer. Application by a representative of a Hanseatic city with the consent of the company.
COMMUNICATION & CONTACTS
Information and deadlines will be announced on
1. this website
2. the website of the International Hanseatic Day 2026
3. partner websites
Contact: