Think Small First

think smallThe European Commission celebrates Small and Medium Sized Enterprises: The Driving Force behind the European Economy

Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) account for ninety nine percent of all businesses and two thirds of all employment in the European Union. The European Commission values SMEs and recognises them as playing a central role in the Economy of the European Union. A series of measures anchoring the ‘Think Small First’ principle have been launched across Europe to help small and medium sized enterprises to grow, develop new ideas and network with fellow entrepreneurs. From cutting the administrative burden for SMEs with the launch of the Small Business Act for Europe, to launching the Enterprise Europe Network, the European Commission is encouraging and promoting SME growth.
As part of this on going focus on small and medium sized enterprises, the European Commission Directorate – General for Enterprise and Industry has launched the 1st European SME Week ’09.

The week is part of a campaign to promote entrepreneurship across Europe and to inform entrepreneurs about support available for them at European, national and local level. It allows SMEs to discover an array of information, advice, support and ideas to help them develop their activities.

Throughout 2009, events are taking place to inform, assist and connect existing and potential entrepreneurs and also help them develop new ideas and benefit from personalised information and support. In North East England, as part of European SME week, the Enterprise Europe Network will be holding a free seminar on Winning Tenders. Public procurement accounts for around 16% of the European Union’s GDP, but SMEs can face barriers in accessing public tenders. This seminar will explore breaking down some of those barriers and making it easier for regional SMEs to identify, bid and win public sector contracts and tenders. (See events section for more details).

For more information on ‘think small first’ related initiatives please contact Clare McKeague on 0191 490 9200