2013

Contents

Foreword
The 2013 European Enterprise Promotion Awards have seen nominees from across the EU, Serbia and Turkey vying for the chance to win either in their category or the prestigious Grand Jury Prize. The nominees have already worked hard to help people create and grow businesses - whether technological or traditional, local or international. This is our way of recognising and celebrating projects that have supported entrepreneurs from school-age to those of 50 years and beyond from every corner of Europe to set-up, improve and revolutionise the very SMEs that play such an integral part to the up-keep and regeneration of the European economy. It is the innovation and creativity exhibited by this wide array of projects that demonstrates why harnessing the entrepreneurial spirit to drive European business is of such paramount importance. If you provide the materials and the freedom to innovate and modernise, they will nd their own solutions and opportunities. Small businesses, and the organisations that support them, provide indispensable energy and dynamism to European competitiveness and are key drivers of economic growth. Since 2006, over 2,500 projects have participated in national competitions for a chance to compete in the European Enterprise Promotion Awards. This means that 35 projects have already won awards and been showcased across Europe to spread best practice. Together these projects have created more than 10,000 companies and spurred European growth. As we share the 2013 winners and their successes with the world, I would like to thank all participating candidates and the National Co-ordinators who managed the competitions across the European Union as well as Serbia and Turkey. These national competitions are critical in raising awareness about how public bodies support small business. Hundreds of projects competed for a chance to win an EEPA award this year; 53 were selected by their countries to compete at the European level. So you can be assured that the seven winners and nine runners-up presented here represent the very best. I hope their ideas and innovations will inspire organisations and individuals across Europe to do more for small business.

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Foreword Facts & gures Small Business Act The Jury Understanding the judging process Grand Jury Prize winner Promoting the Entrepreneurial Spirit Investing in Entrepreneurial Skills Improving the Business Environment Supporting the Internationalisation of Business Supporting the Development of Green Markets and Resource Eciency Responsible and Inclusive Entrepreneurship Special Mentions 2014 European Enterprise Promotion Awards 2013 National Winners Past Grand Jury Prize Winners Promoters Network The European Commission DG Enterprise and Industry

Legal notice: Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on its behalf may be held responsible for the use to which information contained in this publication may be put, nor for any errors which may appear despite careful preparation and checking. This publication does not necessarily reect the view or the position of the European Commission. Luxembourg: Publications Oce of the European Union, 2013 ISBN 978-92-79-31548-0 European Union, 2013 Reproduction is authorised, provided the source is acknowledged, save where otherwise stated. For use/reproduction of third-party copyright material, specied as such, permission must be obtained from the copyright holder(s). This report is nanced under the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme which aims to encourage the competitiveness of European enterprises. The European Enterprise Promotion Awards are organised by the European Commissions Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry. Contractors for the SME Assembly and the EEPAs: Low Associates (international policy events specialists) and Hanover (international communications consultancy), two SMEs proud to be helping other SMEs to grow.

Antonio Tajani Commissioner for Entrepreneurship and Industry

Small businesses driving European growth

SMEs are independent companies with

The latest research shows that SMEs continue to form the backbone of the European economy, with some 20.3

fewer than 250 employees. out of three private sector jobs and are responsible for 85% of new jobs created. It is estimated that SMEs account for 66% of total employment and 58% of gross value added (GVA).
They provide two

Putting Small Business First: the Small Business Act for Europe
Adopted in June 2008, the Small Business Act for Europe (SBA) reects the Commissions recognition of the central role that SMEs play in the EU economy. It puts into place, for the rst time, a comprehensive SME policy framework for the EU and its Member States. Aiming to improve the overall approach to entrepreneurship and permanently anchor the Think Small First principle in policy-making from regulation to public service the Act works to promote SMEs growth by helping them tackle the remaining problems which hamper their development. The Act is particularly focused on initiatives that help small businesses by: Cutting red tape Providing access to nance Increasing access to markets More widely, it also seeks to drive a longer-term shift in attitudes creating a greater awareness of the role entrepreneurs play in society and encouraging and inspiring potential entrepreneurs.

A spin-o: the European Enterprise Promotion Awards

The European Enterprise Promotion Awards support the aims of the Small Business Act by recognising innovation and rewarding the success of public bodies and public-private partnerships in promoting enterprise and entrepreneurship at a national, regional and local level. SME Envoys As part of the Review of the SBA, the Commission invited Member States to nominate a national SME Envoy to complement the role of the European Commissions SME Envoy, Mr Daniel Calleja Crespo. Together with representatives of EU-level SME business organisations, the Network of SME Envoys facilitates the implementation of the Small Business Act on the European level and in Member States. Want to nd out more about SME Envoys? Visit: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/sme/small-business-act/ sme-envoy/ or follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MrSmeForEurope

million rms employing almost 87 million people and accounting for

more than 99.8% of all enterprises.

The lions share of enterprises are represented by micro rms with fewer than ten employees - 92%.

The Jury
Each year, an independent high-level European Jury takes on the dicult task of selecting the best entries in each category. This years Jury includes representatives from Government, business and academia as well as Ireland and Lithuania as part of their EU presidencies during 2013. There are also two permanent representatives, one from DG Enterprise and Industry and one from the Committee of the Regions. The winner of the Grand Jury Prize will be asked to sit on the Jury for the following year. The 2013 Jury is composed of:

Understanding the judging process

Individual countries were invited to conduct national competitions to determine the best projects to represent their nation. Hundreds of projects competed in these national competitions in 2013 for a chance to win the European Enterprise Promotion Awards. Countries were allowed to nominate a maximum of two entries (in dierent categories) to the European competition. Each Jury member reads and assesses every entry against dened criteria covering: originality & feasibility, impact on the economy, improvement of stakeholder relations and transferability. The Jury then meets and discusses their top entries in each category, before agreeing on winners, runners-up and any special mentions. The shortlist is then published and the winners announced during the SME Assembly.

Joanna Drake

Chairperson European Commission, DG Enterprise and Industry Joanna has occupied her present position since 2010 as Deputy SME Envoy. Previously Head of the EC Representation in Malta and prior to that she served as Head of the Legal & Regulatory Department of Vodafone Malta Ltd, Joanna has taught and researched law at the University of Malta and studied at the College of Europe, Bruges.

Tom Hayes

Enterprise Ireland

Ministry of the Economy, Lithuania

Mindaugas Danys

Arnaldo Abruzzini
EUROCHAMBRES

Bev Hurley
YTKO

Mid Sweden University

Anders Lundstrm Thomas Wobben

Committee of the Regions

Tom Hayes is Divisional Manager in Enterprise Ireland responsible for Micro Enterprise and Small Business. He also manages the organisations network of regional oces and is a member of Enterprise Irelands Research and Development Fund Committee. He is a graduate of the College of Commerce and Trinity College.

Mindaugas Danys manages the SME department at the Ministry of Economy in Lithuania and during his professional career has been engaged in shaping and implementing economic development, SME promotion and social innovation policies. Mindaugas also serves as the SME Envoy for Lithuania and is a member of the European Commission working group on the Social Business initiative.

Arnaldo Abruzzini is Secretary General of EUROCHAMBRES, the European Association of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, since the date of his election in 1999. A national of Italy, Mr Abruzzini has founded and served as Managing Director and Board member in several companies. He graduated from La Sapienza University in Rome with a degree in Economy and Finance.

A dynamic and inspiring serial entrepreneur, mentor, angel investor and holder of the Queens Award for Enterprise Promotion, Bev Hurley has spent more than 30 years building successful businesses and sharing her expertise to create and grow others. Bev is passionate about creating a measurable, sustainable impact and legacy.

Anders Lundstrm is a Professor in Business Administration at Mid Sweden University. His current research interests are policies for entrepreneurship, innovation, and small business and social innovation parks. He has been president of ICSB (International Council of Small Business), a worldwide small business and entrepreneurship network.

Thomas Wobben was born in Germany. After studying Economics and Politics he worked for voluntary sector organisations. In 1993 he joined the European policy services of the Land SaxonyAnhalt and in 1995 he began working in the Liaison Oce of Saxony-Anhalt in Brussels taking over as Director in 2000. Since March 2012 he has been Director for Horizontal Policies and Networks at the Committee of the Regions.

Grand Jury Prize

A special prize awarded to the entrepreneurial initiative considered the most creative and inspiring in Europe.

Winner
Think Small First Introduction to Micro Companies in Latvia Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Latvia Think Small First was developed by the Latvian Chamber Of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) to help get Latvia out of the economic crisis. The initiative has helped micro-enterprises by promoting the creation of a special tax rate and simplied tax accounting system. It has also introduced a micro-credit programme and has made information about launching a business available in one place. The LCCI has played one of the leading roles in discussions held in the Latvian Parliament, the Saeima. This included initiating amendments of laws to enable implementation of the concept of micro-enterprises. Through support from the Ministry of Economy, the Saeima supported the Micro-Enterprise Tax Law which came into eect on 1st September 2010. In addition, improvement of the regulatory framework is ongoing, thus providing support to the smallest enterprises. As a result of this initiative, a total of 28,000 enterprises have utilised the simplied tax accounting system and the number of micro-enterprises in Latvia is continuing to grow. Overall, the introduction of the concept of micro-enterprises in Latvia has helped to further the countrys rapid economic growth within the European Union and provide a favourable climate for small businesses to operate.
Contact: Lita Kokale, Head of Public Relations Krija Valdemra Iela 35 Riga, LV-1010 Email: info@chamber.lv Further information: www.chamber.lv

Promoting the Entrepreneurial Spirit

Recognising actions that promote an entrepreneurial culture and mindset and raise awareness about entrepreneurship in society.

Investing in Entrepreneurial Skills

Recognises regional or local initiatives to improve entrepreneurial, vocational, technical and managerial skills.

Winner
MyCity The Finnish Economic Information Oce, Finland The MyCity learning entity is a miniature city, built from mobile wall elements, and includes at least 15 dierent local and regional enterprises and public services. Students work within his or her own trade in the city and receive wages. They also act as consumers and citizens of the society. Approximately 70 pupils work at the same time at the MyCity site. MyCity, sponsored by the Finish Ministry of Education and Culture, operates in eight dierent municipalities and 24,000 sixth graders and 1,000 teachers have visited the sites.
Contact: Tomi Alakoski, Executive Director Email: yrityskyla@tat. Further information: www.yrityskyla., www.tat.

Winner
Senior Enterprise The Mid East Regional Authority, Ireland Senior Enterprise is specically designed to encourage a greater involvement with enterprise by those aged 50 and over and to raise awareness of their potential to start a business, acquire or invest in a business started by someone else, or to become a volunteer mentor. To date almost 1,000 individuals over 50 years of age, who have received support from Senior Enterprise in Ireland, the UK and France, have set up new businesses.
Contact: John Byrne, Director Email: jbyrne@seniorenterprise.ie Further information: www.seniorenterprise.ie, www.mera.ie

Runners-up

Runners-up

Student Enterprise Awards Programme County and City Enterprise Boards, Ireland The Student Enterprise Awards Programme provides students with an opportunity to gain business and entrepreneurial skills in practical real-life scenarios where they actually establish and run their own mini-enterprises for six months or more. Numbers participating have grown year-on-year and now exceed 17,000.

Boost Your Talent Brussels Enterprise Agency, Belgium Boost Your Talent (BYT) is a project to promote the entrepreneurial spirit, focusing on schools and other youth organisations in the Brussels Canal area and central districts. It encourages young people at all school levels to discover entrepreneurship, the business environment and their own entrepreneurial skills and qualities, and take an active role in their own project to achieve social and professional success. BYT directly trained 8,316 students between late 2008 and April 2013.

Growth Factories Vksthus Sjlland, Denmark Vkstfabrikkerne (The Growth Factories) is a business incubation programme launched in January 2010. The project consists of ten business incubators, geographically spread throughout the region of Zealand. In total, 54 additional jobs in the region have already been created and another 300 are expected within the next three years.

You Can Change The Future Junior Achievement Serbia, Serbia The purpose of the You Can Change The Future project, run by Junior Achievement (JA) Serbia is to educate and inspire young people to value free enterprise and understand business and economics. During the 2011/12 school year, 8,021 students participated in JA Serbia programmes, supported by 485 teachers in 156 secondary and 52 primary schools across 72 municipalities.

Contact: Loman OByrne, Chief Executive Email: loman.obyrne@sdenterprise.ie Further information: www.studententerprise.ie

Contact: Bruno Wattenberg, Operations Director

Contact: Mads V. Kragh, CEO Email: mvk@vhsj.dk Further information: www.vaekstfabrikkerne.dk

Contact: Darko Radicanin, Executive Director Email: darko.radicanin@ja-serbia.org Further information: www.ja-serbia.org

Student Enterprise Awards

County and City Enterprise Boards

Email: bwa@abe.irisnet.be Further information: www.boostyourtalent.be

Improving the Business Environment

Recognising measures to simplify administrative procedures for businesses, particularly for start-ups.

Supporting the Internationalisation of Business

Recognises policies to encourage enterprises and particularly small and medium-sized businesses to benet more from the opportunities oered by markets both inside and outside the European Union.

Winner
Starters Agreement for Entrepreneurs City of Ghent, Department of Economics, Belgium The Belgium Starters Agreement helps aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to succeed. Entrepreneurs enter into a starters agreement with the City of Ghent to draft a business plan, appeal for professional advice and specialist guidance, follow training and development courses and to continue the independent business activity for at least three years in Ghent. With this contract, entrepreneurs can receive support of a maximum of 5,000 for education, professional guidance and investment. All start-ups that have been established as independent enterprises in Ghent for less than two years can apply for a starters agreement. One of the most important objectives of the agreement is to increase the success rate of starting companies during their rst years and to prevent failures. To date, a total of 171 starters agreements have received a positive recommendation by the evaluation committee, with 166 of these approved by the Council of the Mayor and aldermen.

Winner
ondern stad emend e

Portuguese Shoes: The Sexiest Industry in Europe Portuguese Association of Footwear Industries, Components, Leather Goods and their Substitutes, Portugal The Portuguese footwear industry exports more than 95% of its production to the most demanding international markets. In order to allow the sector to continue to take rm steps in a competitive international environment, the APICCAPS, a national business association, with the support of the Compete Programme, has taken various measures to promote Portuguese footwear. The current campaign has helped to promote around 120 SMEs at professional events all around the world. A campaign symbol for Portuguese shoes was developed using the slogan Portuguese Shoes: Designed by the Future. The image promotes a mark of quality and seeks to establish Portuguese Shoes as a sophisticated innovation. As a result of this strategy, footwear exports have grown more than 20% in the past two years.

Contact: Ria Dossche, Advisor Email: ria.dossche@gent.be Further information: http://www.oogent.be/nl/e-loket/start-in-gent

Contact: Paulo Gonalves, Director of Communication Email: paulogoncalves@mail.apiccaps.pt Further information: www.apiccaps.pt

Runners-up

Runner-up
International Relays Champagne-Ardenne Region, France The regional initiative, International Relays, is an original and individualised concept that employs country experts to develop export opportunities for companies in the Champagne-Ardenne region. Technical and nancial assistance provides personalised support adapted to the commercial development of regional companies in high-potential markets. International Relays has allowed approximately 100 companies from the Champagne-Ardenne region to implement eective exportation activity.

Entrepreneurship Promotion Fund UAB Investicij ir verslo garantijos, Lithuania Investment and Business Guarantees (INVEGA) is a guarantee institution founded by the Lithuanian Government. INVEGA provides guarantees to credit institutions for loans taken by representatives of SMEs for business start-up or expansion. Since 2001, INVEGA has provided 3,978 guarantees to credit institutions for small and medium-sized business loans.

Incredibol! Bolognas Creative Innovation Municipality of Bologna, Department of Economics and Promotion of the City, Italy Incredibol!, Bolognas Creative Innovation project, supports creative professions in Emilia-Romagna through cash contributions, workspaces and a network of public and private partners that provide services to the winners of the award. Incredibol! began in 2010 and gathered an impressive 243 design ideas from across the region. In total there were 32 winning projects which were able to take advantage of cash awards totalling 20,000, more than 500 hours of training and the professional support of 15 consultants.

Contact: Asta Slapien, Head of Marketing Email: asta.slapsiene@invega.lt Further information: www.invega.lt

Contact: Mauro Felicori, Department Manager Email: mauro.felicori@comune.bologna.it Further information: www.incredibol.net

Contact: Didier Exbrayat, Manager for International Development Email: dexbrayat@cr-champagne-ardenne.fr Further information: www.champagne-ardenne-export.com

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Supporting the Development of Green Markets and Resource Eciency

Recognises policies and initiatives at national, regional or local level that support SME access to green markets and help to improve their resource eciency through, for example, green skills development and matchmaking as well as funding.

Responsible and Inclusive Entrepreneurship

Recognises regional or local actions promoting corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices.

Winner
Integration of Disadvantaged People AV Mobilita s.r.o., Slovakia AV Mobilita s.r.o. is a sheltered workshop specialising in integrating disabled people into all areas of life. As a pilot organisation, it focused on car repairs and it now co-ordinates other sheltered workshops forming part of the koda Handy Disabled Persons Project in Bratislava, Preov, Bansk Bystrica and ilina. It participates in the cultural, social and sporting activities of Associations of Registered Disabled Persons throughout Slovakia. The scheme has facilitated the smooth integration of disabled people into society through mediation of special-priced vehicle sales and through comprehensive theoretical and practical training of applicants seeking a licence to drive a car. In 2009, the workshop received an award from the Ministry of Labour, Social Aairs and Family of the Slovak Republic for the integration of disabled persons into the workplace.

Winner
The Town of Grsu Developing with Unlimited Clean Energy Municipality of Grsu, Turkey Key aims of the Town of Grsu project are to increase the use of green energy in Grsu to prevent environmental pollution caused by the use of fossil fuels, to save energy used for municipal services and to help socio-economic development of the town. Since the initiative began, four innovative applications have been congured, tested and applied. A photovoltaic solar energy plant was developed and Grsu is now well-known for using clean solar energy in all of its service areas. The project aims to enable Turkey to take a leading role in renewable energy investments at both regional and national levels. Since the project began, Grsu has obtained 40% of its electricity needs from the sun in the 5 months of winter and 100% in the 7 summer months.

Contact: Hseyun zmen, Strategic Planning Division Manager Email: huseyinozmen@gursu.bel.tr Further information: www.gursu.bel.tr

Contact: Klaudia Valukov, Owner of Auto Valuek Email: klaudia.valuskova@avmobilita.sk Further information: www.avmobilita.sk

Runner-up
Packaging Recycling Scheme for the Republic of Cyprus Meeting EU Targets Green Dot (Cyprus) Public Co Ltd, Cyprus Green Dot (Cyprus) Public Co Ltd began household recycling collection in Cyprus in 2007 and it has grown to cover 85% of the population within ve years. Cypriots have responded positively to the service and the overall recycling rate has doubled in the period of 2006 - 2012. The organisation has created more than 200 new green jobs and has allowed the local recycling companies to grow and enhance their long term sustainability.

Runner-up
Entrepreneurship in Denmark Etnisk Erhvervsfremme, Denmark Entrepreneurship in Denmark collects and conveys knowledge, establishes networks and collaboration across organisations within business and employment and oers activities within competency development. The project has facilitated a partnership between six municipalities, the Danish regions, the Ministry of Employment and the Ministry of Business and Growth Denmark.

Contact: Kyriakos Parpounas, General Manager Email: k.parpounas@greendot.com.cy Further information: www.greendot.com.cy

Contact: Mette Boel, Head of Centre Email: info@etniskerhvervsfremme.dk Further information: www.entrepreneurshipindenmark.dk

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Special Mentions
The Fairytale about the Entrepreneurial Janek and his Foolish Brothers Municipality of Wrocaw Economic Development Oce, Poland An initiative undertaken by the Municipality of Wrocaw Economic Development Oce involved the production and performance of a play entitled The fairytale about the entrepreneurial Janek and his foolish brothers. This is the rst educational tool in Poland in the form of a theatrical performance to address entrepreneurship that targets primary school pupils. In addition to the live audience, 60,000 pupils from 720 schools around the country viewed the performance online.

The 2014 European Enterprise Promotion Awards will be launched in early 2014.
Contact: Marzena Horak, Coordinator of the Entrepreneurship Education Programme Email: marzena.horak@um.wroc.pl Further information: www.wroclaw.pl

The awards ceremony will take place during the 2014 SME Assembly in Naples under the Italian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Please check the EEPA website, or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more details.

The Premier League Enterprise Academy (PLEA) Premier League Charitable Fund, United Kingdom The Premier League Enterprise Academy programme was set up to help teach 11-19 year olds the basic principles of business and self-employment. Based around a 10-week course rst developed by Middlesbrough Football Club, the programme helps young people understand the basic principles of business through a range of interactive learning opportunities both in the classroom and at football stadia. There have been PLEAs established at 20 clubs, which have engaged with over 80,000 young people.

Contact: Emma Joussemet, Senior Community Development Executive Email: EJoussemet@premierleague.com Further information: www.premierleague.com

Linking Women Association of Business Women in Serbia, Serbia The Association of Business Women in Serbia promotes and provides support to female entrepreneurs, while advocating for the improvement of the business climate and fostering local, regional and international networking. The initiative connects female entrepreneurs throughout Serbia, strengthening local associations and establishing and building the capacity of newly formed local associations. In the past year, three new Associations of Business Women have been created in Novi Pazar, Subotica and Zajecar.

Contact: Sanja Popovic-Pantic, President Email: sanjap.pantic@pupin.rs Further information: www.poslovnezene.org.rs

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2013 National Winners

Promoting the Entrepreneurial Spirit
Belgium
Boost Your Talent (BYT) www.boostyourtalent.be

2013 National Winners

Netherlands
The Enterprise Contest www.rookierepublic.com

Spain
The MED Technopolis Project www.medtechnopolis.eu

Croatia
Knowledge Centre of Meimurje www.redea.hr

Poland
The Fairytale about the Entrepreneurial Janek and his Foolish Brothers www.wroclaw.pl/

Lithuania
Development of the Methods of Entrepreneurship Education and their Implementation in Lithuania www.verslogenijus.lt

Italy
Incredibol! - Bolognas Creative Innovation www.incredibol.net

Czech Republic
JIC Start-up Programme www.jic.cz

Portugal
Startup Lisboa Building a City of Entrepreneurs www.startuplisboa.com

Luxembourg
Business Mentoring www.businessmentoring.lu

Latvia
Think Small First - Introduction to Micro Companies in Latvia www.chamber.lv

Germany
Young Entrepreneurs in Training (jUNIts) www.uni-saarland.de/kwt/junit

Slovakia
Guardian Angels for Female Entrepreneurs www.nadsme.sk

Netherlands
Venturelab Twente www.venturelabtwente.nl

Lithuania
Entrepreneurship Promotion Fund www.invega.lt

Estonia
The Estonian Student Satellite Program www.ut.ee

Finland
MyCity www.yrityskyla.

Austria
KAI - Knowledge Academy International www.knowledge-academy.at

Malta
Increase the Economic Activity of the Hamrun Business Centre www.il-hamrun.com

Ireland
The Student Enterprise Awards Programme www.studententerprise.ie

Serbia
Linking Women www.poslovnezene.org.rs

Serbia
You Can Change The Future www.ja-serbia.org

Austria
Oberes Mhlviertel Business Park www.wipark-om.at

Greece
The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Unit www.mke.aueb.gr

United Kingdom
The Premier League Enterprise Academy www.premierleague.com

Spain
Women Business Support Programme www.msssi.gob.es/ssi/igualdadOportunidades /iEmpleo/PAEM.htm

Improving the Business Environment

Belgium
Starters Agreement for Entrepreneurs http://www.oogent.be/nl/e-loket/start-in-gent

Poland
CIP National Contact Point Financial Instruments for SMEs www.cip.gov.pl

Investing in Entrepreneurial Skills

Bulgaria
3Challenge www.3challenge.com

United Kingdom
The Burnley Bondholder Scheme www.burnley.co.uk

France
The Little Oces www.entreprendre-ensemble.com

Bulgaria
Ethnographic Area Complex Zlatograd www.zlatograd.bg

Italy
Creative Clusters www.agenziacampaniainnovazione.it

Denmark
Growth Factories www.vaekstfabrikkerne.dk

Czech Republic
Enterprize Zone ternberk www.sternberk.eu

Hungary
Test Business Incubator Start-up Model http://vallalkozaskelteto.hu

Ireland
Senior Enterprise www.seniorenterprise.ie

Estonia
The rst Privately Initiated Business Incubator in Estonia www.heak.ee/laane-harju-ettevotlusinkubaator

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2013 National Winners

Supporting the Internationalisation of Business
Germany
The Hessen-China Network www.hessen-china.de

Past Grand Jury Prize Winners

Responsible and Inclusive Entrepreneurship
Denmark
Entrepreneurship in Denmark www.entrepreneurshipindenmark.dk

The European Enterprise Promotion Awards have run since 2006. Since then, there have been 42 winning entries including one Grand Jury Prize Winner in each competition.

Cyprus
An Innovative Rehabilitation Method KINISIFORO K-SET www.esfcyprus.eu , www.kinisiforoltd.com

Greece
Synergassia www.investingreece.gov.gr

2012
Outset YTKO Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom Outset is designed to show the unemployed that selfemployment and enterprise is a realistic alternative to unemployment. Since the start of the programme, Outset has engaged with over 10,000 people. Of those, 1,916 have started a business, together creating 2,188 jobs. www.outset.org

2011
Barcelona Activa Barcelona Activa SAU SPM Barcelona City Council, Spain With its mission to transform entrepreneurship and business growth in Barcelona, the centre acts as a reference point and hub for entrepreneurs and uses an innovative model of online and on-site services to train individuals, thereby fostering the establishment of more than 6,000 new companies. www.barcelonactiva.cat

Latvia
Get Connected Latvia www.lattelecom.lv

France

International Relays www.champagne-ardenne-export.com

Croatia
Metal Pressing Industry of Krapina-Zagorje County www.hgk.hr/category/zk/krapina

Hungary
Nyir-Dinamila Ltd for Business Environment Stability, Equal Social Opportunities, Convergence and Competitive Knowledge www.nyir-dinamika.hu

Malta
Internationalisation Survey www.maltachamber.org.mt

Romania
Responsible and Integrated Entrepreneurship www.graphtec.ro

Portugal
Portuguese shoes: the Sexiest Industry in Europe www.portugueseshoes.pt

Slovakia
Integration of Disadvantaged People www.avmobilita.sk

Supporting the Development of Green Markets and Resource Eciency

Cyprus
Packaging Recycling Scheme for the Republic of Cyprus meeting EU targets www.greendot.com.cy

Turkey
Flourishing Hopes in the Greenhouse www.tosunogluozelegitim.meb.k12.tr

2010
Entrepreneurs Residencies, Auvergne Agence Regionale de Developpement des Territoires dAuvergne (ARDTA), France Entrepreneurs Residencies provides short and long-term support measures for business creators or buyers from outside the area willing to settle in the region. They are designed to support, facilitate and accelerate the setting up of new businesses by guiding potential entrepreneurs and refunding their living expenses. www.auvergnelife.tv

2008/09
The Scarborough Renaissance Partnership Scarborough Renaissance Partnership, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom The development project transformed the north-east England seaside town of Scarborough by pioneering renaissance and boosting entrepreneurship, thus turning a seasonal economy with winter unemployment 50% higher than summer into a year-round economy with only a 10% dierence between summer and winter employment. www.scarborough.gov.uk

2007
Development of premises for business use, Bilbao Lan Ekintza-Bilbao, Bilbao, Spain Innovative urban redevelopment initiative that aims to prevent city decay by attracting startups and established businesses to relocate to the old heart of the city by providing nancial support as well as combating marginalisation and social exclusion. www.bilbao.net/bilbaoekintza

2006
Y4 Committee, Finland A complete methodology that introduces the business perspective in regional decision-making, encourages innovation and entrepreneurship espousing ethically sustainable values. The project triggered a cultural change in Central Finland, raising the proportion of entrepreneurs in a region that previously had a wellestablished culture of paid employment.

Turkey
The Town of Grsu Developing with Unlimited Clean Energy www.gursu.bel.tr

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The Promoters of the European Enterprise Promotion Awards

The European Commission DG Enterprise and Industry

Within the European Commission, the European Commissions Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry works to provide a more favourable environment for European business. It ensures that European Union policies contribute to the competitiveness of EU enterprises by encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation. At the core of these policies are small and medium sized enterprises as they are the principal providers of jobs and growth in Europe. DG Enterprise works with the business community to help develop innovative, competitive and responsible enterprise and with Member States to implement the Small Business Act for Europe. To summarise, the key message to entrepreneurs is Europe helps you full your ideas. http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/index_en.htm

European Small Business Portal

The Assembly of European Regions (AER.eu) is the largest independent network of regions in wider Europe. Bringing together more than 270 regions from 33 countries and 16 inter-regional organisations, AER is the political voice of its members and a forum for inter-regional co-operation. http://www.aer.eu/ The Committee of the Regions (CoR) in Brussels was established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1994 as a consultative body to provide representatives of local and regional government with a voice at the heart of the European Union. http://cor.europa.eu/en/Pages/home.aspx Want to nd out what the EU does to boost small businesses in Europe and on the global market, and what it can do for your business? This multilingual portal gathers together all the information provided by the European Commission on and for SMEs, ranging from practical advice to policy issues, from local contact points to networking links. http://ec.europa.eu/small-business/index_en.htm

Enterprise & Industry Magazine

The Enterprise & Industry online magazine (http://ec.europa. eu/enterprise/magazine/index_en.htm) covers issues related to SMEs, innovation, entrepreneurship, the single market for goods, competitiveness and environmental protection, industrial policies across a wide range of sectors, and more. The printed edition of the magazine is published three times a year. You can subscribe online (http://ec.europa. eu/enterprise/magazine/print-edition/subscription/index_ en.htm) to receive it in English, French, German or Italian free of charge by post.

The European Association of Economic Development Agencies (EURADA) is a Europe-wide network of people working on economic development. EURADA has given a lead on a policy agenda including, amongst others, regional policy, small business nance (EURADA set up the European Business Angels Network), entrepreneurship and innovation. www.eurada.org

EUROCITIES represents over 135 major cities in 34 European countries. EUROCITIES works on behalf of the cities with the European institutions on a wide range of issues aecting local authorities, and enables the exchange of best practices in local governance among its members. www.eurocities.eu

European Enterprise Promotion Awards

For further information: European Enterprise Awards Secretariat E-mail: eu.enterprise.promotion.awards@hanovercomms.com Tel: +44 20 74 00 89 95 Fax: +44 20 74 00 44 81 Follow the European Enterprise Promotion Awards on Social Media:

EUROCHAMBRES is the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry. It represents over 19 million enterprises in Europe and a European network of 2000 regional and local Chambers in 45 countries. More than 99 % of these enterprises are small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). www.eurochambres.be

Union Europenne de lArtisanat et des Petites et Moyennes Entreprises (UEAPME) is the employers organisation representing the interests of European crafts, trades and SMEs at EU level. UEAPME is a recognised European Social Partner. UEAPME incorporates 84 member organisations from 36 countries. It represents more than 12 million enterprises, which employ around 55 million people across Europe. www.ueapme.com

Twitter.com /@eepa_en (for English) Twitter.com /@eepa_fr (for French) Twitter.com /@eepa_es (for Spanish) Twitter.com /@eepa_it (for Italian) Twitter.com /@eepa_de (for German)

Facebook.com/European.Enterprise.Promotion.Awards

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YouTube.com/PromotingEnterprise

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http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/sme/best-practices/european-enterprise-awards/index_en.htm

ISBN: 978-92-79-31548-0 doi.10.2769/84750 version: EN

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