The European SME Week (ESW) is a pan-European campaign aiming to promote entrepreneurship in Europe. It helps existing entrepreneurs find information on available support and tries to encourage more people to set up their own businesses. Coordinated by the European Commission, this campaign consists of events throughout the year, embracing the motto “Promoting Enterprise. Every week. Everywhere.”.
Main objectives of the European SME Week
The European SME Week aims to
- help create a business-friendly environment and boost SMEs' competitiveness, also regionally through SME regional policies
- inform entrepreneurs about support available at EU, national, regional, and local levels
- encourage more people to become entrepreneurs
Who can get involved?
- Anyone interested in entrepreneurship
- Existing and potential entrepreneurs
- Young people considering entrepreneurship as a career choice
- Business organisations and business support providers
- Public authorities, educational institutions
How does it work?
The European SME Week gives a chance to organisations providing business support services and organising events to promote them to entrepreneurs in Europe. Organisations can benefit from the branding and the promotion of their events through a central website on the Europa web presence.
Events will be held across the 39 participating countries.
Get involved
- Join the online Promoting Enterprise community on Futurium.
- Organise an event that promotes enterprise under the European SME Week.
- Attend an event and learn about available support in your country.
European SME Week 2024
European SME Week 2024 aims to build on the success of countless events from previous years. The flagship event and major highlight of ESW, the SME Assembly, is scheduled for 18-20 November 2024, in Budapest, Hungary. It is organised in collaboration with the Hungarian Presidency of the Council, the Central Hungary Government, and the Enterprise Europe Network.
The European Enterprise Promotion Awards (EEPA) reward those who promote entrepreneurship and small business at the national, regional and local levels. The EEPA awards ceremony will take place at the 2024 SME Assembly.
Social media and blog
Stay tuned and follow #EUSMEWeek
- LinkedIn: Promoting Enterprise
- Facebook: Promoting Enterprise
- Instagram: promotingenterprise
- X (formerly Twitter): @EEPA_EU
- Read more: Promoting Enterprise blog
Related social media accounts
- LinkedIn: EU Business and EISMEA
- Facebook: EU Growth and EEN
- X (formerly Twitter): @EU_Growth @EU_EISMEA and @EEN_EU
Supporting documents
- The 'Secrets of Success 2018-19: Entrepreneurs of Europe - connecting, sharing and innovating' brochure includes stories of entrepreneurs who come from a broad range of sectors and backgrounds
- Secrets of Success 2016-17: Inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs
- Secret of Success 2014-15: Europe’s digital icons - transforming our economy
- Secret of Success 2012-13: European SMEs as international champions
- Secret of Success 2011: Entrepreneurship beyond start-ups - second-time entrepreneurs and transfer of business