The Enterprise Europe Network is the largest network of contact points
providing information and advice to EU companies on EU matters, in particular
small and medium enterprises (SMEs). We provide practical answers to specific
questions in your language.
A wide range of countries and services
'A one-stop shop
for businesses
in over 40 countries' The Network offers concrete and effective solutions to
entrepreneurs and companies in more than 40 countries, including the 27 EU
member states, three EU candidate countries (Croatia, the former Yugoslav
Republic of Macedonia and Turkey), members of the European Economic Area (EEA)
and other participating third countries.
The Enterprise Europe Network is unique both in terms of its wide geographic
reach and of the wide range of integrated services it provides to SMEs and other
business actors. This is made possible thanks to the coordinated action of
nearly 600 local partner organisations, employing around 3 000 experienced staff
working to support the competitiveness of EU businesses.
A one-stop shop for EU businesses
Launched in 2008 by the European
Commission, the Enterprise Europe Network combines and builds on the former
Innovation Relay Centres and Euro Info Centers (established in 1995
and 1987 respectively). The new integrated Network offers a “one-stop
shop” to meet all the information needs of SMEs and companies in Europe.
Instruments include business partner search within technology and business
cooperation databases and fast access to information on funding opportunities.
Individual on-site visits to companies to assess their needs and a broad range
of promotion and information material. Representatives of the Network can also
help businesses understand EU law, how it applies to their business and how to
make the most the internal market and EU programmes.
The Enterprise Europe Network fully exploits the synergies between all
support services and helpdesks aimed at European businesses. The “one-stop shop”
service is accompanied by a “no wrong door” policy: an entrepreneur or business
actor can enter the Network through any contact point, and will then be assisted
and personally directed to the relevant service or organisation.
Exchanging best practices to boost competitiveness
and regional excellence
The Enterprise Europe Network offers easy access and proximity to local
services for SMEs, thus creating regional business gateways. Regional consortia
cooperate to create a coherent support structure for local companies, boosting
the region’s profile and its competitiveness.
Business actors are encouraged to share, define and disseminate best
practices in fields such as innovation, expansion to new markets, enlargement of
the client base, improvement of market position, etc. As a result, the
Enterprise Europe Network helps SMEs realise their potential in terms of growth
and regional job creation.
A two-way street
The Network will also improve the relationship between the European
Commission and business. Network representatives will provide the Commission
with regular feedback on EU policy, the difficulties SMEs face operating in the
EU and the effectiveness of the EU’s programmes. All this will help shape EU law
that is more business-friendly and will stimulate growth and competitiveness
across the EU. The Network is there to support the European Commission and help
it to help business.