Celebrating European SME Day: Recognising the Backbone of Europe's Economy

SMEs make up over 99% of businesses in the European Union and are the backbone of our economy. Their contributions are invaluable, and we are proud to recognise their hard work and dedication.

As the official initiative of the European Commission to support and promote SMEs, EU SME Week has been at the forefront of championing the interests of these businesses. Over the years, EU SME Week has organised various events and activities to support SMEs all over Europe, ranging from workshops and seminars to business matchmaking sessions.

One of the highlights of EU SME Week is the annual SME Assembly. This event brings together SME owners, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and other stakeholders from across Europe to discuss issues affecting SMEs and to share best practices. The SME Assembly has been instrumental in fostering collaboration among SMEs and providing a platform for policymakers to hear directly from SME owners.

Over the years, the SME Assembly has tackled a range of issues, from innovation and digitalisation to sustainability and the circular economy. At the 2022 SME Assembly in Prague, participants got together for three days packed with panel discussions, workshops, masterclasses on how to ensure the best possible environment for SMEs to thrive in Europe.

The 2023 event, which is set to take place in Bilbao on 13-17 November, promises to be bigger and better than ever and will provide a unique opportunity for SMEs to connect with potential partners and investors, and gain valuable insights into the latest trends and technologies.

The highlight of SME Week will be the European Enterprise Promotion Awards. The EEPA National Competitions are already underway, some countries have already closed their national competitions and others are set to do so in the coming weeks

As we celebrate European SME Day, we invite everyone to join us in recognising the vital contributions that SMEs make to our economy and society. Let’s continue to work together to support and promote SMEs across the EU, ensuring that they have the tools and resources they need to thrive and grow.