Join us at the Enterprise Europe Network Annual Conference 2024, themed “Boosting the Potential of European SMEs.” This flagship event will gather over 800 participants who empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to navigate today's complex economic landscape. Attendees will hear from high-profile keynote speakers, including Hungary’s Deputy State Secretary Katalin Bihari. Numerous networking opportunities will foster collaboration, making this an unmissable event for innovators and industry leaders alike as they explore strategies for long-term success. The opening and closing sessions will also be live-streamed on YouTube.

The 2024 edition of the SME Assembly will take place from 18 to 20 November in Budapest. It will be centered around the theme "SMEs: Shaping Europe’s Future." This event, hosted by the Hungarian Presidency of the Council of the EU, will feature a variety of engaging sessions, including high-level panels, expert round tables, and interactive workshops, all designed to foster innovation and collaboration among SMEs. While onsite attendance is at full capacity, online registrations are now open, allowing virtual participants to enjoy live-streamed discussions, the European Enterprise Promotion Awards, and the Youth Start-Up Competition finale. Join the conversation in Budapest and contribute to shaping the future of European SMEs.

The shortlist for the 12th annual European Small and Mid-Cap Awards has been released. These prestigious awards celebrate the most dynamic small and mid-cap companies that went public between 2022 and 2023. An independent jury selected twelve exceptional companies across four categories (Rising Star, Star of 2024, International Star and Star of Innovation), highlighting their impressive performance. The winners will be revealed during a grand ceremony on 19 November 2024 in Budapest, Hungary, as part of the European Commission's SME Assembly. A 'Special Mention' will also be awarded to a standout individual or company making a significant impact on access to capital markets.

The 2024 European Angel Investment Summit on 15 and 16 October marked 25 years of supporting Europe’s start-up ecosystem, gathering over 400 business angels, entrepreneurs, and policy-makers in Brussels. The event saw 30 promising start-ups pitch to investors, fostering over 100 one-to-one meetings. The Commission thanked the investor community for its collaboration under the European Defence Fund and InvestEU, which has mobilised €218 billion in investments. Looking ahead, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing innovation, with the next MFF’s Competitiveness Fund playing a key role in future start-up support.

The Commission has released the interim evaluation of InvestEU, the EU’s flagship investment programme, revealing that it has unlocked an impressive €218 billion in additional investments so far. With 90% of the EU guarantee already allocated, InvestEU has contributed to  boosting the EU economy by mobilising private and public funds across crucial sectors like renewable energy, clean industrial manufacturing, and SME competitiveness. The programme has also demonstrated flexibility, effectively addressing emerging policy priorities and de-risking investments in strategic areas to drive long-term growth and sustainability.

Ever wondered what your rights are as an EU citizen or business operating across borders? The Your Europe Advice (YEA) platform provides clear, tailored legal advice on personal EU rights – all for free. Whether you're dealing with residence issues, social security, or business regulations, YEA offers practical answers to real-life questions. Accessible in all 24 official EU languages, the platform connects you with legal experts who will respond in just a few days, helping you navigate the complexities of EU law.

On 24 September, the 20^th meeting of the Single Market Enforcement Taskforce (SMET) saw two key projects take the spotlight. SMET launched a new initiative addressing territorial supply constraints, which drive up consumer prices in some EU countries. A fact-finding mission is set to uncover the roots of these issues. The taskforce also discussed easing cross-border bank account openings for businesses, aiming to remove long-standing hurdles that limit their growth.

The Public Procurement Data Space (PPDS) was officially launched on 24 September, marking a new era for public procurement transparency across the EU. Hosted by DG GROW, the event showcased how the PPDS platform will connect multiple databases, including TED and national datasets, making public procurement data more accessible to all stakeholders. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the platform’s features and discover how it can benefit policymakers, businesses, and public buyers alike. With PPDS, strategic procurement becomes clearer, offering better insights, information, transparency and opportunities for all.

Transition Pathway Support Platforms are 'one-stop-shops' for businesses and stakeholders of a given ecosystem. They offer access to the latest policies, best practices, and resources to drive a more digital, green, and resilient industry. With networking opportunities, funding information, and training initiatives, these platforms are designed to help shape the future of European ecosystems. The first such platform was launched for tourism. You can join the EU Tourism Platform to connect, collaborate, and be part of a vibrant community driving positive change in the tourism sector.

Under the European Monitor of Industrial Ecosystems (EMI) project, the “Data Dashboard” offers an interactive and comprehensive view of key indicators, including the adoption of green and digital technologies, circular business models, and venture capital investments. Policymakers, researchers, and industry professionals can use the dashboard to monitor the progress of the twin transition, empowering stakeholders to make data-driven decisions that support industrial competitiveness and sustainability. Explore the environmental impact, transition efforts, and the enabling framework conditions shaping Europe’s industrial future.

A new report carried out by the Commission reveals that SMEs and self-employed workers can reduce administrative costs by up to 59% with the full implementation of OOTS. By connecting over 80,000 competent authorities, this system will allow businesses to exchange paperwork automatically across borders, simplifying procedures and saving valuable time and resources for companies across the EU. You can discover the study here.

The proximity economy is emerging as a vital driver of sustainable growth and community resilience across Europe. A new study reveals that short regional supply chains could contribute up to €6,000 billion to the EU economy while supporting innovative, human-centric business models. The report explains how this transformative model is reshaping local economies and aligning with key EU policy priorities. It maps 168 policies fostering proximity ecosystems and highlights five case studies showcasing the potential social and environmental benefits of this dynamic model. The report also introduces innovative metrics and KPIs that evaluate the impact of proximity economies.

The Enterprise Europe Network is calling on chambers of commerce, innovation agencies, and business support organisations outside the EU to become International Network Partners (INPs). As the world’s largest business support network, the Enterprise Europe Network helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) connect with European businesses and access the EU Single Market of over 450 million consumers. The value of INPs joining the EEN is significant for EU companies. It connects them to new international markets, fosters partnerships in research and innovation, boosts networking opportunities, and enhances their competitiveness by providing critical insights into global markets. By joining, you’ll support SMEs from your country or region to grow globally, fostering innovation, trade, and sustainable business models across borders.

The European Capitals of Small Retail project is officially underway, inspired by a citizens’ petition to recognise cities that excel in revitalising their small retail sectors and enhancing city centre attractiveness. With a total budget of €3 million for the next two years, this initiative will support the Commission’s #RevitaliseRetail campaign, which aims to promote the green and digital transition of retail SMEs critical players in the Retail Ecosystem. Interested external contractors can apply to manage the competition (2026 and 2027 editions), which includes organising promotional and networking activities for awarded cities.

The Commission is conducting the first evaluation of the updated Mutual Recognition Regulation since its introduction in 2019. Contributions from businesses, industry associations, and national competent authorities are sought. Key sectors of interest include fertilisers, precious metals, construction products, metrology instruments, food supplements, and soft drinks, along with all industries dealing with non-harmonised goods. Your insights are vital for enhancing the effectiveness of this important regulatory framework.

The Commission has launched approximately 16 cross-sectoral and trans-European strategic Joint Cluster Initiatives, known as ‘Euroclusters.’ These initiatives aim to drive the implementation of the Green Deal Industrial Plan for the Net-Zero Age, alongside the Critical Raw Materials and Net-Zero Industry Acts, and the European Security Strategy to ensure security of the EU value chains.

Is EU legislation keeping up with the latest standards in measuring instruments like supermarket scales and electricity meters? DG GROW has been evaluating whether the current metrological framework meets the needs of consumers and promotes accuracy in measurements, using measuring instruments like supermarket scales and electricity meters. Join the upcoming workshop on 5 November to hear the results and learn how you can contribute to this important evaluation.

Join global leaders and experts at the Rebuild Ukraine Conference in Warsaw, focusing on sustainable recovery and investment in Ukraine’s future. This event will feature the EU-Ukraine Investment Conference, highlighting opportunities for international partnerships and collaboration. Engage in discussions about innovative solutions, sector-specific strategies, and best practices for rebuilding a resilient Ukraine. This is a unique chance to contribute to the nation’s recovery and explore pathways for growth and stability.

DG GROW is hosting the EU – India Matchmaking Event during the Bengaluru Tech Summit 2024, taking place on 19-21 November 2024 in Bengaluru, India. Organised in collaboration with Global Business Inroads, the Enterprise Europe Network, and the Government of Karnataka, the event aims to connect cluster organisations and SMEs from the EU, non-EU countries participating in the Single Market Programme, and India. Participants will have opportunities for Cluster to Cluster (C2C), Cluster to Business (C2B), and Business to Business (B2B) collaborations. The event will focus on strengthening EU-India cluster cooperation, identifying areas of common interest, and enhancing collaboration in research, development, and innovation.

Join us from 9 to 13 December in Brussels for the EU Raw Materials Week, the largest annual event on raw materials' policy. With a focus on implementing the European Critical Raw Materials Act, this week-long gathering will bring together over 1,000 participants from industry, academia, and civil society. Discussions will dive into critical raw materials, investment, circularity, women in STEM, and more, with distinguished speakers from strategic sectors like batteries, digital technologies, and defence. 

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