European Enterprise Promotion Awards 2012

Enterprise PromotionAwards

European

2012

Contents

1. Foreword

2. Facts and Figures

4. Putting Small Business First

5. The Jury

6. Understanding the Judging Process

7. Past Winners

8. Jury’s Grand Prize

10. Promoting the Entrepreneurial Spirit

11. Investing in Skills

12. Improving the Business Environment

13. Supporting the Internationalisation of Business

14. Responsible and Inclusive Entrepreneurship

15. Special Mentions

16. The Promoters of the European Enterprise Promotion Awards

17. About DG Enterprise and Industry

Legal notice: Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on its behalf may be held responsible for the use to which information contained in this publication may be put, nor for any errors which may appear despite careful preparation and checking.

This publication does not necessarily refl ect the view or the position of the European Commission.Luxembourg: Publications Offi ce of the European Union, 2012ISBN 978-92-79-26674-4

© European Union, 2012

Reproduction is authorised, provided the source is acknowledged, save where otherwise stated.For use/reproduction of third-party copyright material, specifi ed as such, permission must be obtained from the copyright holder(s).

This report is fi nanced under the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme which aims to encourage the competitiveness of European enterprises.The European Enterprise Promotion Awards are organised by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry.Contractors for the fi rst SME Assembly and the EEPA: Low Associates (international policy events specialists) and Hanover (international communications consultancy), two SMEs proud to be helping other SMEs to grow.

ForewordThis year’s European Enterprise Promotion Award (EEPA) nominees help people to create and grow businesses – whether technological or traditional, local or international. We are recognising projects that have supported entrepreneurs from 10 to over 50 years-old, from all corners of Europe to set-up and improve the SMEs so critical to the European economy.

It is precisely the creativity shown by these projects that demonstrates why harnessing the entrepreneurial spirit to drive European business is so important. If you give people the tools and freedom to innovate, they will fi nd their own solutions and opportunities. Small businesses, and the organisations that support them, will ensure future European competitiveness far better and faster than any number of economists and bankers.

Since 2006, almost 2,400 projects have participated in national competitions for a chance to compete in the European Enterprise Promotion Awards. This means more than 30 projects have already won awards and been showcased across Europe to spread best practice. Together these projects have created more than 10,000 companies.

As we share the 2012 winners and their successes with the world, I would like to thank all participating candidates and the national coordinators who managed the competitions in all 27 member states as well as Croatia, Serbia and Turkey, who all chose to participate this year. These national competitions are critical in raising awareness about how public bodies support small business.

More than 400 projects competed for a chance to win an EEPA award this year; 57 were selected by their countries to compete at European level. So you can be assured that the six winners and eight runners-up presented here represent the very best. I hope their ideas and innovations will inspire organisations and individuals across Europe to do more for small business, making entrepreneurial endeavour more accessible and more infl uential than ever before.

Antonio TajaniCommissioner for Entrepreneurship and Industry

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Facts and fi gures

Small businesses driving European growth

SMEs are independent companies with

fewer than 250 employees.

They provide two out of three private sector jobs and are

responsible for 85% of new jobs created. It is estimated that

SMEs account for 67% of total employment and 58% of gross value added (GVA).

The latest research shows that SMEs

continue to form the backbone of the

European economy, with some 20.7 million fi rms employing more than 87 million people and

accounting for more than 99.8% of

all enterprises.

The lion’s share of enterprises are represented by micro fi rms with fewer than ten employees - 92%

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Going international: good business for SMEs

Changing attitudes towards entrepreneurship: a fundamental challenge! When asked if they would be interested in

becoming an entrepreneur:

37% of Europeans say yes

compared to 51% in the US and

56% in China.

SMEs driving innovation25% of European SMEs are focused on

the green economy.

25% of EU SMEs have some kind of export activity

but only 13% export outside of the

European Union.

Export activity outside of the EU will

become even more critical. Projections

show that by 2015, 90% of global growth will be outside of Europe. And by 2030, 60% of global

growth will be generated by emerging

economies (BRICS).

Companies exposed to international

business are more competitive and innovate

more. 26% of internationally active SMEs

introduced products or services that were

new for their sector. For other SMEs, this

number was lower at 8%.

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Putting Small Business fi rst: the Small Business Act for EuropeAdopted in June 2008, the Small Business Act for Europe (SBA) refl ects the Commission’s recognition of the central role that SMEs play in the EU economy. It puts into place, for the fi rst time, a comprehensive SME policy framework for the EU and its Member States.

Aiming to improve the overall approach to entrepreneurship and permanently anchor the ‘Think Small First’ principle in policy-making – from regulation to public service – the Act works to promote SMEs’ growth by helping them tackle the remaining problems which hamper their development. The Act is particularly focused on initiatives that help small businesses by:

• Cutting red tape• Providing access to fi nance• Increasing access to markets

More widely, it also seeks to drive a longer-term shi� in attitudes – creating a greater awareness of the role entrepreneurs play in society and encouraging and inspiring potential entrepreneurs.

A spin-off : the European Enterprise Promotion AwardsThe European Enterprise Promotion Awards support the aims of the Small Business Act by recognising innovation and rewarding the success of public bodies and public-private partnerships in promoting enterprise and entrepreneurship at a national, regional and local level.

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Members of the 2012 Jury were:

The JuryAn independent, high-level European Jury has selected the best entries and given awards in each category.

This year’s Jury included representatives from government, business and academia as well as members from both Denmark and Cyprus who have held the EU Presidency during 2012.

Joanna DrakeDirector of SME and Entrepreneurship for DG Enterprise

Agnieszka KudlinskaDirector of the Directorate for Consultative Works at the Committee of the Regions

Morten RiisProject Manager for Entrepreneurship & Innovation and Regional Manager of Young Enterprise South Jutland, Danfoss University, Denmark

Yiannis KontosSME Envoy for Cyprus and Director of Industrial Development Service at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism

Andrea Benassi Secretary General of UEAPME (European Association of Cra� , Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises)

Jaume BaróEnterprise Manager, Barcelona Activa, 2011 Grand Jury prize-winner

Anders LundströmProfessor in Entrepreneurship and Small Business at mid-Sweden University

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Understanding the judging processIndividual countries were invited to conduct national competitions to determine the best projects in their nation. Over 400 projects competed in these national competitions in 2012 for a chance to enter the European Enterprise Promotion Awards. Exceeding 2011 levels, the Awards also received entries from a record-breaking 30 European countries – all 27 EU Member States as well as Croatia, Serbia and Turkey. Countries were allowed to nominate a maximum of two entries (in diff erent categories) to the European competition.

The Jury is selected to provide a cross-section of knowledge and experience, with representatives from government, business and academia as well as relevant presidencies. This year both Denmark and Cyprus were represented.

The Jury read and assessed each entry against defi ned criteria: originality & feasibility, impact on the economy, improvement of stakeholder relations and transferability to select their top entries.

The Jury reviewed 57 national winner entries and established a shortlist of 14 nominees in fi ve categories.

1. Promoting the Entrepreneurial Spirit Recognises actions and initiatives at national, regional or local level that promote an entrepreneurial mindset especially among young people and women.

2. Investing in SkillsRecognises initiatives at regional or local level to improve entrepreneurial, vocational, technical and managerial skills.

3. Improving the Business Environment Recognises innovative policies at regional or local level that promote enterprise start-up and growth, simplify legislative and administrative procedures for businesses and implement the “Think Small First” principle in favour of small and medium-sized enterprises.

4. Supporting the Internationalisation of Business Recognises policies to encourage enterprises and particularly small and medium-sized businesses to benefi t more from the opportunities off ered by markets both inside and outside of the European Union.

5. Responsible and Inclusive Entrepreneurship Recognises regional or local actions that promote corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices in the social and/or environmental domain. This category also recognises eff orts to promote entrepreneurship among disadvantaged groups, such as unemployed, disabled or people from ethnic minorities.

The Jury’s Grand Prize was awarded to the entrepreneurial initiative considered the most creative and inspiring in Europe.

The fi ve categories are in line with the priorities of the strategy Europe 2020: for economic growth and prosperity in the European Union.

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Past WinnersThe European Enterprise Promotion Awards have run since 2006. In that time there have been 31 winning entries including one Grand Jury Prize Winner in each competition.

2011Barcelona ActivaBarcelona Activa SAU SPM Barcelona City Council, Spain

With its mission to transform entrepreneurship and business growth in Barcelona, the centre acts as a reference point and hub for entrepreneurs and uses an innovative model of online and on-site services to train individuals, thereby fostering the establishment of more than 6,000 new companies.www.barcelonactiva.cat

2010Entrepreneurs’ Residencies, AuvergneAgence Regionale de Developpement des Terrirtoires d’Auvergne (ARDTA), France

Entrepreneurs’ Residencies provides short and long-term support measures for business creators or buyers from outside the area willing to settle in the region. They are designed to support, facilitate and accelerate the setting up of new businesses by guiding potential entrepreneurs and refunding their living expenses.www.auvergnelife.tv

2008/09The Scarborough RenaissancePartnershipScarborough Renaissance Partnership, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom

The development project transformed the north-east England seaside town of Scarborough by pioneering renaissance and boosting entrepreneurship, thus turning a seasonal economy with winter unemployment 50% higher than summer into a year-round economy with only a 10% diff erence between summer and winter employment.www.scarborough.gov.uk

2007Development of premises for business use, BilbaoLan Ekintza-Bilbao, Bilbao, Spain

Innovative urban redevelopmentinitiative that aims to prevent city decay by attracting start-ups and established businesses to relocate to the old heart of the city by providing fi nancial support as well as combating marginalisation and social exclusion.www.bilbao.net/bilbaoekintza

2006Y4 Committee, Finland

A complete methodology that introduces the business perspective in regional decision-making, encourages innovation and entrepreneurship espousing ethically sustainable values. The project triggered a cultural change in Central Finland, raising the proportion of entrepreneurs in a region that previously had a well-established culture of paid employment.www.y4.fi

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8

WinnerMaking enterprise a realistic option for the hard-to-reachOutsetYKTO Ltd, United Kingdom

Outset is designed to show the unemployed that self-employment and enterprise is a realistic alternative to unemployment. Specifi cally created to help the most vulnerable groups, including the long-term unemployed, recently redundant, under-25s, women, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, people with mental and physical disabilities and those who are over 50 years of age, the programme takes a unique approach to supporting start-ups. A national project that works in urban and rural settings, it seeks to change beliefs about the ability to start a small business.

The project ethos involves using support teams that o� en have similar challenging backgrounds, come from the same local areas and have had fi rst-hand experience of being self-employed or running a business. Outset actively reaches, through all types of community spaces, from sports centres to Diwali and Chinese New Year festivals to fi nd the people that will benefi t most. This in-person outreach is reinforced by highly eff ective, targeted promotions including radio ads with direct response SMS facilities, quirky and enticing posters, postcards and fl yers plus online and email marketing and lots of social media such as Facebook and Twitter. We use normal, jargon-free language.

Since the start of the programme, Outset has engaged with over 6,000 people. Of those, 673 have started a business, together creating 890 jobs. Outset Finance has helped its clients raise £790,258 from a variety of funding sources to either start or expand their business.

Most importantly, the businesses that Outset support do last: survival rates, particularly for women entrepreneurs, far outstrip national averages. Within disadvantaged client groups, conversion rates from engagement to start are approximately 1:5 and Outset’s new business survival rate a� er four years is over 80%.

Jury’s Grand PrizeA special prize awarded to the entrepreneurial initiative considered the most creative and inspiring in Europe

Further information:www.outset.biz

Contact:Bev Hurley, Chief ExecutiveSt John’s Innovation CentreCowley RoadCambridge, CB4 0WS

Email: [email protected]

9

WinnerBoosting women’s entrepreneurship by providing easy access to fi nancingWomen’s Co-operative Bank LtdWomen’s Co-operative Bank ‘initiative’ Ltd, Cyprus

The Women’s Co-operative Bank seeks to boost women’s entrepreneurship by providing easy access to fi nancing. The organisation identifi es gaps in the economy, promotes support programmes for female entrepreneurs and provides free advice and guidance, as well as loans, that are tailor-made to the needs of small business owners. Since the project started 11 years ago, women’s entrepreneurship has increased in Cyprus overall from 12% in 2001, to 28% today.

Promoting the Entrepreneurial SpiritRecognising actions that promote an entrepreneurial culture and mindset and raise awareness about entrepreneurship in society

Further information:www.womenscoopbank.com.cy

Contact:Artemis Toumazi, Chairman/DirectorSinergatikos Organismos Protovoulias Ginekon Kiprou Ltd 30 Pavlou Valdaseridi Street, Branches 1-4 6018 Larnaca, Postal Code 42251 6530 Larnaca, Cyprus


Συνεργατικός Οργανισμός''Πρωτοβουλία Γυναικών'' Κύπρου Λτδ

Runner-up

Supporting pre-start-ups in Belgium BRYOVoka, Belgium

The Bryo initiative supports pre-start-ups in Flanders and is dedicated to creating optimum conditions for successful entrepreneurship. The project has led to the creation of over 200 new businesses.

Further information: www.bryo.be/nl/home

Contact:Eric KenisVokaRue Royale 154-158, 1000 BrusselsBelgium


10

WinnerFostering knowledge transfer and digital visualisation Visualisation ParkVisualisation Park, Sweden

Visualisation Park in Sweden focuses on the commercial application of digital visualisation technology. Using a business park model, the location in Eksjö off ers a home to a cluster of businesses with expertise in this emerging fi eld. They are gathered around Campus i12, which off ers a range of vocational courses. 50 partner companies support the educational programmes and the Park provides a meeting place for educational environment and industry to identify and develop projects. Since it was founded in July 2009 the number of partner companies has more than doubled, to over 100. Most importantly, students’ attitudes shi� ed. More of them are now inclined to be entrepreneurs themselves, either by launching their own start-up or freelancing.

Investing in SkillsRecognises regional or local initiatives to improve entrepreneurial, vocational, technical and managerial skills

Further information:www.vispark.se

Contact:Joakim FalkängManagerVisualisation ParkKaserngatan 26SE-575 35 EksjöSweden


Runner-up

‘PROGRESS’ for social and solidarity economy ProgressRégion Champagne Ardenne

Public policy initiative PROGRESS was created to support the social and solidarity economy. Over 1,000 people have participated in training since 2008 and since 2006, 74 projects have received funding, representing 880 jobs.

Further information: www.cr-champagne-ardenne.fr

Contact:Isabelle RouxManager of the Social and Solidarity Economy Cluster5, rue de Jéricho51037 Châlons-en-Champagne


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WinnerTackling diffi culties faced by SMEs in urban areas FaciliTOMunicipality of Turin, Italy

FaciliTO is a model that the Municipality of Turin adopted to tackle the diffi culties that small enterprises encounter in struggling urban areas. Micro and small businesses in Turin have faced particular diffi culty in accessing credit, which is o� en due to the absence of project expertise. FaciliTO attempts to meet these needs by providing free consultations to support the development of business plans as well as direct fi nancial support. Over 200 businesses have accessed FaciliTO and 93 of them have received fi nancial support.

Improving the Business Environment Recognising measures to simplify administrative procedures for businesses, particularly for start-ups

Further information:www.comune.torino.it

Contact:Elisa Rosso, Servizio Fondi europei Innovazione, Sviluppo EconomicoVia Braccini 2Cap 10144TurinItaly


Runner-up

Assisting businesses in crisis Early WarningEarly Warning, Denmark

A professional B2B service, Early Warning assists businesses in crisis by supporting entrepreneurs with their business needs. Assistance is off ered via a network of 120 volunteer advisers with extensive professional experience.

Further information: www.earlywarning.dk

Contact:Svend RøgeProject ManagerVæksthus Midtjylland/Vaeksthus Central Denmark, Business Development CentreÅbogade 15, building 2, 4th fl oorDK 8200 Aarhus N.


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WinnerCo-operating to bring Douro wines to the worldDouro BoysAicep Portugal Global, Portugal

A group of fi ve small wine producers from the Douro region worked together to create the Douro Boys brand. Designed to exchange information and support each other to steadily improve the quality of the wines they produce, the group also aims to co-ordinate a marketing strategy centred on promoting the Douro region and its wines to the world. Between 2002 and 2011, the exports of wine from the fi ve producers increased from €4.7 million to €11 million, an increase of 134%.

Supporting the Internationalisation of Business Recognises policies to encourage enterprises and particularly small and medium-sizedbusinesses to benefi t more from the opportunities off ered by markets both inside and outside the European Union

Further information:www.portugalglobal.ptwww.douroboys.com

Contact:Jorge Holtreman RoquetteAdministrator for Quinta do Crasto SAaicep Portugal Global,Agência para o Investimento e Comércio Externo de Portugal, EPEO’Porto Bessa Leite Complex Rua António Bessa Leite, 1430 - 2o Andar 4150-074 Porto

Email: [email protected]@douroboys.com

Runner-up

Supporting women entrepreneurs to cross borders RegionFemmeBratislava Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Slovakia

The REGIONFEMME project supports women entrepreneurs to work cross-border by off ering resources and best practice exchange. The project also off ers resources including seminars, language courses and access to a database of female entrepreneurs.

Further information: www.bl.sopk.sk

Contact:Bratislava Regional Chamber of SlovakChamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI)Jašíkova 6, 826 73 BratislavaSlovakia


13

WinnerSupporting disabled people into the workplaceDisabled at WorkDenizli Municipality, Turkey

Disability is a major cause of social exclusion and poverty, primarily due to the lack of employment opportunities. Disabled at Work, a joint Turkish-Dutch project, seeks to change attitudes and support the integration of physically disabled people into the labour market. The group comprises 16 organizations from Turkey and the Netherlands. The projects provide training as well as a matching programme which off ers disabled people mentors as they prepare to enter the workforce. At the end of the programme, 194 people had been trained and 65 were employed.

Responsible and Inclusive EntrepreneurshipRecognises regional or local actions promoting corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices

Further information:www.denizli.bel.tr

Contact:Ms Pınar GÜLMEZ AĞIRBAŞDirector of Survey and Project DepartmentAltıntop Mahallesi Lise Caddesi No:1 20100 DenizliTurkey


Runner-up

Recognising commitment to socially responsible businessImplementation and Promotion of ESR LabelINDR, Luxemboug

The INDR created a nationally recognised label ‘Socially Responsible Company’ available to companies, particularly SMEs, who demonstrate a commitment to socially responsible business. Since 2010, the INDR has promoted over 600 companies and awarded the label to 51.

Further information: www.indr.lu

Contact:Norman Fisch7, rue Alcide de Gasperi INDRLuxembourgB.P. 3024 L-1030

Email: norman.fï[email protected]

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‘Growing’ the spirit of enterprise in children The Turtle Dove Gardens LtdDe Terteltuinen B, Netherlands

Children aged four - 12 years old in a neighbourhood in Groningen were the inspiration for the Turtle Dove Gardens. They wanted to set-up a garden near to their school to grow their own produce.

De Torteltuinen took up the project, giving children the opportunity to build their enterprise skills. Now a registered business, 500 pupils have worked in the Torteltuin and the children feel they are taken seriously as entrepreneurs.

Special Mentions

Further information:www.pettefl et-groningen.nl

Contact:Mr. Bram van der Linden,HeadteacherOpenbare Jenaplan School De Pettefl etJacob van Ruysdaelstraat 739718 SC GRONINGENThe Netherlands

Email: info@pettefl et-groningen.nl

Promoting e-administration at a national level e-Annual reporting Centre of Registers and Information Systems, Estonia

This initiative represents a signifi cant reduction in bureaucraticprocess and, from more than 140,000 companies registered in Estonia, 99% of them now use the system. It off ers a signifi cant saving for taxpayers and the Estonian Ministry of Finance found the time saved amounts to an estimated €4.6 million.

Further information:www.rik.ee

Contact:Margus MägiInternational Marketing SpecialistCentre of Registers and Information SystemsLõkke 4, 19081 TallinnEstonia


Establishing a unifi ed approach to Corporate Social Responsibility at national levelGATES - social and environmental business innovationsUN Development Programme, Lithuania

The lack of co-operation and co-ordination between institutions was the basis for the creation of GATES, a social and environmental business innovation project. The project created a single network and off ered training and practical support to companies. The network includes experts from more than 500 companies involved in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Over 2,500 people from more then 500 SMEs in Lithuania have been involved in project activities.

Further information:www.undp.lt

Contact:Ieva LabanauskieneCommunications Offi cerLabdariu str. 5, 2nd fl oor, VilniusLithuania


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The Promoters of the European Enterprise Promotion Awards

National contacts for the European Enterprise Promotion Awards can be found using the following link

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/sme/best-practices/european-enterprise-awards

The Committee of the Regions (CoR) in Brussels was established by the Maastricht Treaty in 1994 as a consultative body to provide

representatives of local and regional government with a voice at the heart of the European Union.

EUROCITIES represents over 135 major cities in 34 European countries. EUROCITIES works on behalf of the cities with the European institutions on a wide range of issues aff ecting local authorities, and enables the exchange of best practices in local governance among

its members.www.eurocities.eu

Union Europeenne de l’Artisanat et des Petites et Moyennes Entreprises(UEAPME) is the employers’ organisation representing the interests

of European cra� s, trades and SMEs at EU level. UEAPME is a recognised European Social Partner. UEAPME incorporates 84 member organisations from 36 countries. It represents more than 12 million enterprises, which employ around 55 million people across Europe.

www.ueapme.com

The Assembly of European Regions (AER.eu) is the largest independent network of regions in wider Europe. Bringing together more than 270 regions from 33 countries and 16 inter-regional

organisations, AER is the political voice of its members and a forum for inter-regional co-operation.

The European Association of Economic Development Agencies(EURADA) is a Europe-wide network of people working on

economic development. EURADA has given a lead on a policy agenda including, amongst others, regional policy, small business fi nance (EURADA set up the European Business Angels Network),

entrepreneurship and innovation.www.eurada.org

EUROCHAMBRES is the Association of European Chambers of Commerce and Industry. It represents over 19 million enterprises

in Europe and a European network of 2000 regional and local Chambers in 45 countries. More than 99 % of these enterprises

are small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).www.eurochambres.be

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The European CommissionDG Enterprise and Industry

European Small Business PortalWant to fi nd out what the EU does to boost small businesses in Europe and on the global market, and what it can do for your business? This multilingual portal gathers together all the information provided by the European Commission on and for SMEs, ranging from practical advice to policy issues, from local contact points to networking links.http://ec.europa.eu/small-business

Enterprise & Industry MagazineThe Enterprise & Industry online magazine (http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/e_i/index_en.htm) covers issues related to SMEs, innovation, entrepreneurship, the single market for goods, competitiveness and environmental protection, industrial policies across a wide range of sectors, and more. The printed edition of the magazine is published three times a year. You can subscribe online (http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/e_i/subscription_en.htm) to receive it – in English, French, German or Italian – free of charge by post.

Within the European Commission, the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Enterprise and Industry works to provide a more favourable environment for European business. It ensures that European Union policies contribute to the competitiveness of EU enterprises by encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation. At the core of these policies are small and medium sized enterprises as they are the principal providers of jobs and growth in Europe. DG Enterprise works with the business community to help develop innovative, competitive and responsible enterprise and with Member States to implement the Small Business Act for Europe. To summarise, the key message to entrepreneurs is “Europe helps you fulfi l your ideas”.

Twitter.com/@eepa_en

Facebook.com/European.Enterprise.Promotion.Awards

YouTube.com/PromotingEnterprise

European Enterprise Promotion AwardsFor further information:European Enterprise Awards SecretariatE-mail: [email protected]

Tel: +44 20 74 00 89 95 - Fax: +44 20 74 00 44 81Join the European Enterprise Promotion Awards on Social Media:

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Website: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/sme/best-practices/european-enterprise-awards

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European Enterprise Promotion Awards 2012