How Nopef's new website simplifies funding applications.

Obsidian carried out a full website overhaul for Nordic Project Fund (Nopef), replacing an aging site with a fresh, easy-to-use WordPress build.

Nopef is a fund established by the Nordic Council of Ministers and administered by Nefco. Its mandate is to support the international growth of small and medium-sized Nordic companies while advancing the green transition. Nopef provides funding for feasibility studies aimed at establishing business operations outside the EU and EFTA countries.

Nopef's previous website had served the organization for a long time but had reached the end of its life, both visually and technically. Content management was clunky, and the site's overall look no longer matched the brand of a modern organization supporting green business.

The main goal was to build an inviting, clear website that lowers the barrier for companies applying for funding. The site needed to communicate reliability, Nordic collaboration, and leadership on environmental issues.

Obsidian took full ownership of the project. Work began with technical and visual planning focused on user journeys: how does a potential applicant find the criteria they need and move into the application process?

During execution, Obsidian handled:

• Visual identity: A modern, airy design reflecting Nordic clarity.
• Technical development: Customizing the WordPress platform, back-end and front-end coding.
• Quality assurance: Thorough testing across devices and browsers.
• Training: Onboarding the client on maintaining the new site.
• Analytics: Setting up tracking so site performance and application flow can be monitored with data.

Ease of use — for both site visitors and administrators — was central to the solution. The WordPress platform offered flexibility and longevity, and was customized precisely to Nopef's needs without unnecessary code overhead. The visual design drew on a fresh color palette and elements emphasizing sustainability and internationalism. The technical build was optimized performance-first, ensuring fast load times and a seamless experience across all devices.

Launched in early 2025, the new Nopef.com has been well received. The site has earned praise for its clarity and professional look. The redesign has made information easier to find and made the funding application process more transparent. Although the project is recent, it's already clear that the site's improved usability and clear calls-to-action are guiding companies more effectively toward the right information and activating potential applicants.

The collaboration between Obsidian and Nopef ran smoothly from a project-management standpoint. A tight timeline and demanding content requirements were met with open communication and a solutions-focused attitude.