Marketing and Communications Consulting for a Public-Sector Startup Acceleration Program
Client
Company: Fomento San Sebastián – EKINN+
Company Type: Innovation and economic development agency
Sector: Startups and innovation
Location: Donostia-San Sebastián
Project:
- Strategic online and offline marketing and communications consultancy for the EKINN+ acceleration program
- Tailored consulting for up to 20 startups per year, based on their growth needs and challenges
- Practical group training sessions to turn marketing and communications knowledge into action
- One-to-one mentoring to deepen key insights and define concrete next steps
- Consulting team with extensive experience in communications strategy, inbound marketing, lead generation, and go-to-market strategies
Specialized Marketing and Communications Consultancy for Startup Acceleration
Fomento San Sebastián has a clear mission: to connect talent, resources, and opportunities so innovative projects can grow and scale from San Sebastián. Its work supports startups and entrepreneurs, companies exploring new areas of innovation and business growth, and the broader innovation ecosystem, including investors, research centers, universities, and established companies.
EKINN+, its acceleration program, supports the creation, growth, and long-term development of innovative business ventures. The program was recently recognized at the European Enterprise Promotion Awards (EEPA). As part of EKINN+, participating startups receive a range of support and training services, including strategic guidance in online and offline marketing and communications.
Since 2021, Zinkup has supported the startups and entrepreneurs participating in EKINN+ through a public procurement contract. As specialists in marketing and communications for startups and innovative projects, we provide practical, tailored support based on each company’s stage, goals, and challenges.
With 10 years of experience working on marketing and communications projects for startups and innovative companies, Zinkup brings a proven approach to the program. Our methodology is built on the knowledge, experience, and best practices gained from working with more than 100 entrepreneurial projects.
Personalized One-to-One Support and Group Training for Startups
Zinkup provides startups participating in the EKINN+ program with personalized strategic support for both online and offline marketing and communications.
The consulting process is designed to help each startup define its brand identity, key messaging, and core value proposition. We also help startups by developing marketing and communications strategies aligned with specific business goals, such as driving sales, attracting investors, or supporting beta testing. Each strategy is designed to reach the right audience, strengthen engagement, and support measurable growth.
To help founders make informed decisions, Zinkup also provides practical recommendations, proven best practices, and clear next steps across digital and traditional marketing channels.
Each consultancy process is tailored to the startup’s individual needs, taking into account its market maturity, team, business model, and product or service. After an initial assessment, the support may include:
- A strategic marketing and communications plan covering objectives, priorities, actions, and implementation
- A review of the business model through a marketing and communications lens to identify opportunities for growth and sales
- Clear positioning in the market for the startup’s product or service
- Recommendations for entering ot building visibility in international markets, including effective communications channels
- Brand strategy to support the internationalization and commercialization of products and services
- Practical guidelines for using the right marketing tools, formats, and channels to drive business growth
Zinkup’s consulting team also brings extensive experience in communications strategy, inbound marketing, lead generation, go-to-market planning, messaging, and promotional campaigns.
The process, as established in the public procurement contract, provides the participating startups in the EKINN+ program with:
- An initial assessment of each startup’s marketing and communications needs
- A tailored roadmap outlining key milestones and the actions required to achieve them
- Specialized one-to-one support in online and offline marketing and communications to explore specific areas in depth or guide the initial implementation
- A consulting report with clear recommendations, guidelines, and next steps
- Recommendations on relevant services, grants, and business support programs
- Group training sessions covering key areas of online and offline marketing and communications
- Specialized one-to-one mentoring to build on the topics covered during the group sessions
By the end of the EKINN+ acceleration program, participating startups have the tools, processes, and knowledge needed to manage their online and offline marketing and communications activities more strategically and effectively.
A Marketing and Communications Roadmap to Support Startup Growth
The success of the advisory service is built on close collaboration and ongoing communication with the Fomento San Sebastián team. Zinkup also uses feedback from EKINN+ participants and the acceleration team to continuously refine the support provided. This helps ensure that each startup receives practical, relevant guidance aligned with its stage of growth, specific needs, and business goals.
For the past five years, Zinkup has supported startups participating in the EKINN+ program through tailored marketing and communications consulting designed around the priorities of each project.
By the end of the program, participating startups are better prepared to communicate their value proposition clearly, differentiate themselves in the market, and make more strategic marketing and communications decisions. Each startup leaves with actionable, results-focused guidance to support growth and strengthen its market position.
Zinkup acompaña desde hace 5 años a startups participantes en el programa EKINN+, aportando asesoramiento especializado en marketing y comunicación adaptado a las necesidades de cada proyecto. Al final de cada programa, las startups están mejor preparadas para comunicar su propuesta de valor con claridad y diferenciarse en el mercado. Además, cada startup dispone de un asesoramiento de marketing y comunicación claro, accionable y orientado a resultados, lo que le permite acelerar su crecimiento y consolidar su posicionamiento.
5 years of strategic support
in online and offline marketing and communications
Up to 20 startups per year
with personalized consultancy tailored to their business
10+ group training sessions
focused on practical digital and traditional marketing skills
25+ one-to-one mentoring sessions
turning insights and learnings into concrete actions
“We worked with Zinkup for several months to develop our communications strategy for our go-to-market phase. I am confident that we will work with them again in the future.”
Unai Arambarri, co-founder of Neety
“I had a very positive experience working with Zinkup. They advised us primarily on how to approach our communications so that we could reach our target audience and potential investors more effectively. As a result, we now have a specific communications plan focused on positioning ourselves with key industry stakeholders. The entire process was very positive: deadlines were met, expectations were aligned, and communication was highly professional at all times. We will definitely work with them again on future projects.”
Ander Saenz, Member of the Ventipet Founding Team
“We worked with Zinkup Marketing on our brand strategy and website content. We were very pleased with the service we received, the team’s availability, and their approachable way of working. Thank you, team.”
Xabier López de Pariza, co-founder of Hevea 3D