Established in 2006, the EEPA has recognized over 4,400 projects, collectively contributing to the creation of more than 11,000 new companies.
Objectives of the EEPA
- Recognition of Excellence: Honors outstanding initiatives that promote enterprise and entrepreneurship at various levels.
- Sharing Best Practices: Showcases exemplary policies to inspire replication and foster knowledge exchange.
- Raising Awareness: Highlights the societal role of entrepreneurs and fosters a supportive culture.
- Encouragement of Potential Entrepreneurs: Encourages individuals to embark on entrepreneurial ventures.
Award Categories
- Promoting the Entrepreneurial Spirit: Initiatives fostering entrepreneurial thinking, especially among youth and women.
- Investing in Entrepreneurial Skills: Projects enhancing the skills of entrepreneurs, managers, and employees.
- Supporting the Digital Transition: Helping businesses embrace digital technologies.
- Improving the Business Environment and Supporting Internationalization: Streamlining business conditions and aiding international market access.
- Supporting the Sustainable Transition: Promoting sustainability and climate-conscious practices.
- Responsible and Inclusive Entrepreneurship: Supporting disadvantaged groups and encouraging CSR.
The Grand Jury's Prize can be from any category and will go to the entry considered to be the most creative and inspiring entrepreneurship initiative in Europe.
Participation and Selection Process
Participation is open to public bodies, private-public partnerships, and educational programs from EU and associated countries. The competition is conducted in two stages:
- National Competitions: Countries select up to two national entries to send to the EU level.
- European Competition: A jury shortlists and selects winners, presented at the SME Assembly during European SME Week.
Recent Highlights
EEPA 2024: The 2024 edition is underway, with the awards to be presented at the SME Assembly in Budapest from November 18–20, 2024.
Read the launch article
2023 Winners: Among the standout winners were:
- ‘Future Makers’ (Romania): Winner in Promoting the Entrepreneurial Spirit.
- ‘ResC-EWE’ (Denmark): Winner in Investing in Entrepreneurial Skills.
The EEPA plays a vital role in nurturing Europe’s entrepreneurial spirit. By spotlighting successful initiatives, it not only celebrates achievement but also seeds future innovation and inclusion across the SME landscape.
