The Enterprise Europe Network is a key instrument in the EU's strategy to boost growth and jobs. Bringing together 570 business support organisations from 45 countries,it helps small companies seize the unparalleled business opportunities in the EU Single Market.
Their member organisations include chambers of commerce and industry, technology centres, research institutes and development agencies. Most of them have been supporting local businesses for a long time. They know their clients' strengths and needs - and they know Europe.
As members of the Enterprise Europe Network they are linked up through powerful databases, sharing their knowledge and sourcing technologies and business partners across all Network countries. But they are also closely linked with the European Commission, which enables them to keep abreast of EU policies and to feed small companies' views on them back to Brussels.
Services tailored to small companies
Supporting small business is a cornerstone of the EU's drive for growth and jobs. Because 99% of all EU companies are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), accounting for 67% of jobs, what's good for SMEs is good for Europe's economy.
The Network is co-financed through the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP, 2007-13), an EU funding programme designed to make European companies more competitive. The Network’s services are tailored to SMEs but are also available to all other businesses, universities and research centres.
Strong foundations
The Enterprise Europe Network was launched in February 2008 by the Commission’s Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry. It builds on the former Euro Info Centre (EIC) and Innovation Relay Centre (IRC) Networks, established in 1987 and 1995 respectively.
Offering the combined services of these highly successful predecessors, and more, the Network is a true one-stop shop for small businesses. More than 3,000 experienced staff provide you with practical answers to specific questions in your language.