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Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs
Young European Entrepreneur Award

Empowering ideas and shaping success

The Directorate General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship, and SMEs (DG GROW) is pivotal in fostering innovation, sustainable growth and entrepreneurial ecosystems across Europe. Its mission to enhance competitiveness and empower SMEs aligns seamlessly with the goal of the Young European Entrepreneur Award (YEEA) which aims to boost Europe’s brightest young entrepreneurs and foster their growth through tailored support and recognition.

The organisation of the YEEA has been initiated in 2023 by the European Parliament in the frame of their pilot projects. 

YEEA scope and objectives

Benefits of participation

Exclusive media spotlight

Gain unparalleled visibility with dedicated media coverage that highlights your entrepreneurial journey, achievements and innovative ideas, connecting you with a global audience.

Networking opportunities

Participate to the EU Industry Days and the SME Assembly, Europe’s main industry events, where finalists will gain invaluable networking opportunities, learn from industry leaders and engage in collaborative discussions to drive innovation.

Transformative incubation and training package

Each of the 10 finalists will receive up to €20 000 worth of customised pre-incubation / acceleration training. This includes expert coaching in pitching and presentation skills, empowering them to refine their ideas and strategies.

Travel sponsorship

The organisers will handle and cover all travel arrangements, ensuring five finalists can fully focus on their presentations and participation in the pitching event and award ceremony without logistical concerns.

Timeline

  1. 20 January
    Launch of the call for applications
  2. 14 March
    Deadline for application submissions
  3. 15 March–27 April
    Application screening and review
  4. 28 April
    Announcement of the top 10 finalists
  5. 5–9 May
    Coaching sessions for finalists

    Each of the 10 finalists will receive a one-hour group session, plus one hour of one-to-one support to prepare them for the final pitching event.

  6. 14 May
    Online three-minute pitch event and selection of the top five finalists for the final pitch
  7. 5 June
    Final pitching event and award ceremony

    The top five finalists will pitch their ideas live to a jury at the EU Industry Days 2025 event on 5 June in Rzeszów, Poland.

Applications are open until March 14