Improving the Business Environment and Supporting the the Internationalisation of Business: Introducing the four national winners of the EEPA's fourth category

Across 29 countries, 442 entries to the European Enterprise Promotion Awards (EEPA) 2024 have been assessed. The fourth category, "Improving the Business Environment and Supporting the Internationalisation of Business," focuses on policies and initiatives at the national, regional and local levels that seek to foster a healthier business environment. The category celebrates initiatives that develop simpler legislative and administrative procedures, encouraging SMEs to establish, operate, and expand in Europe.

The following four entries have progressed to the European stage of the competition, with the overall winner announced at the awards ceremony, taking place at the SME Assembly 2024 in Budapest, Hungary (18-20 November).

Estonia: Tartu Film Fund 

The Tartu Film Fund, founded by the city of Tartu in 2015, takes a multifaceted approach to boosting South Estonia's film industry. The fund focuses on promoting and incorporating SMEs and other stakeholders into the creative sector through networking, mapping local audiovisual service providers, and showcasing the region's filming locations to domestic and international film companies. The approach champions SME-led growth in the region, empowering local entrepreneurs while positioning South Estonia as a prime filming destination and contributing to regional economic development.

Finland: Företagarens START 

Företagarens START (Entrepreneur's START) aims to support entrepreneurs in the municipality of Kimitoön as they embark on their start-up journey. The project offers entrepreneurs a structured introduction to the local business community, sharing knowledge, advice, and training workshops alongside opportunities for networking with local stakeholders. By providing a coordinated approach, the project ensures that it reaches its target group, better preparing them for their business journey. The initiative has also shown success in strengthening cooperation between the municipality and business associations, contributing to a dynamic, resilient, and sustainable business landscape.

Ireland: PorterShed 

Established in 2016, PorterShed strives to transform the city of Galway in the west of Ireland into a tech hub where diverse and innovative start-up ideas can flourish. The initiative also positions Galway as an inviting environment for multinational companies looking to establish themselves in the west of Ireland, simultaneously internationalising and supporting the city's business landscape. As a result, innovation in Galway has increased significantly, with domestic and international businesses contributing to the creation of high-value, sustainable jobs in the region.

Slovenia: Crafts and Enterprise Forum 

Since 1991, the Chamber of Craft and Small Business of Slovenia (OZS) has annually organised the Craft and Entrepreneurship Forum to present the demands of Slovenian craftsmen and entrepreneurs to the government. The event analyses laws, regulations, and administrative barriers hindering business operations and competitiveness. The OZS will bring together over 250 Slovenian craftsmen and entrepreneurs at their forum this year, along with political stakeholders. The forum is a collaborative space tackling sectoral barriers, fiscal matters, and supporting the sustainable and digital transitions.

Want to stay updated on all things EEPA? Stay tuned to the Promoting Enterprise social media channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X) and Futurium to find out the results of the European-level competition at the SME Assembly 2024 in Budapest, Hungary (18-20 November), hosted by the Hungarian presidency of the EU.