This paper aimed to analyze the internal e external drivers of the Born Global phenomenon in the case of four Brazilian SMEs from the leather-footwear industry to identify the role of the state-sponsored programs in the fast internationalization of those firms. We conducted a multiple case study with four SMEs firms: Francesca Giobbi, LeatherTec, Gueto Ecodesign and Best Footwear and Components. The domain of unique intangible assets, the niche markets and the international orientation of the founders were the main internal drivers identified and related to the firms’ fast internationalization. We noticed that the founders have knowledge about export promotion programs, but this external driver had no impact on their firm’s internationalization speed and performance. This fact leads to the idea that the strong executive’s international orientation could be associated with the knowledge about official support programs, but it does not mean that they are going to use them.