Introducing the three shortlisted entries in EEPA's fourth category

Out of 442 entries from 29 participating countries, three exceptional initiatives have been selected by the EEPA jury to move forward to the final stage of the competition in EEPA's Category 4:  "Improving the Business Environment and Supporting the Internationalisation of Business":

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 promotes and incorporates SMEs and other local stakeholders into the creative sector through networking opportunities, mapping local audio-visual service providers, and showcasing the region's filming locations to domestic and international film companies. The approach champions SME-led growth in the region by empowering local entrepreneurs, 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 via a digital platform, enabling knowledge and advice sharing, and accessing 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.

The winner will be announced at the SME Assembly in Budapest, hosted by the Hungarian Presidency of the European Union, on 19 November 2024. Although onsite attendance is at full capacity, you can register online on the Promoting Enterprise app via Swapcard to watch the EEPA awards ceremony.