Enterprise Europe Network 

Building European Partnerships 

Helping small businesses with the challenges that go beyond their familiar context: that is what the European Commission offers with its Enterprise Europe Network.
 
Young and very small companies often do not have the means to stay informed about the different European support programmes. Neither can they exploit fully the new technological and commercial opportunities, especially outside of their usual scope of action.

The Enterprise Europe Network wants to close precisely this gap. Building on an experience of more than 15 years, this network has been launched by the European Commission in February 2008 as a one-stop shop where entrepreneurs can get advice and a vast array of supporting services. With its 500 local contact points and more than 4000 experienced staff, this is the biggest European service network for companies.

Even though it is open to companies and institutions of varying size and activities, the network is mainly focused on SMEs. Thanks to the network, entrepreneurs can:

• Promote, acquire and use innovation in the company;
• Become faster and more efficiently active on an international level;
• Get advice on European policy, law and norms;
• Collaborate across borders with other businesses or research centers;
• Get access to European projects and financing.

These services are free and are based on the “no wrong door”-principle: an entrepreneur can access the network through the contact point of his choice with all his questions on internationalization and innovation and will then be personally assisted or accompanied to the relevant service or organization.

In Brussels, you can address yourself to Enterprise Europe Brussels, a collaboration between the Brussels Enterprise Agency and Beci - Brussels Enterprises Commerce and Industry.