SMEs Growing in Europe

ongoing

The “SMEs Growing in Europe” project [SGE13] aims to enhance entrepreneurship in Europe by fostering start-up entrepreneurs and newly-established micro and small enterprises and providing them with transnational networks and exchanges of experience and good practice. Starting entrepreneurs are full of fresh and innovative ideas, new knowledge and advanced technologies but often lack the critical success factors that renders their business sustainable, flourishing and resilient. The SGE13 project develops the entrepreneurial spirit of young and aspiring European entrepreneurs and individually supports them to establish enriching and sustainable exchanges and long-term cooperation with an experienced entrepreneur in another participating country, shadowing entrepreneurial activities, and implementing innovative and strategic projects. Special focus is given to entrepreneurs adopting and promoting green and digital business models, whilst dedicated efforts are planned towards new entrepreneurs interested in the EYE Global markets. SGE13 provides after-care support and concretely follows-up the exchanges, ensuring stronger impacts and stronger foundations for long-lasting business connections, going forward. The quality of the relationships is ensured throughout the phases of the project, from recruitment and assessment of applications to matchmaking and regular monitoring of the exchanges, which are based on a clear work plan, strategic for both entrepreneurs. SGE 13 is composed of ten highly-experienced partners from Spain, Italy, Romania, Malta, Greece, Austria, North Macedonia, France and Turkey, and together with a cohort of strategic Associated Partners, it enjoys a comprehensive reach of circa 90,000 European SMEs. This project will achieve 420 business exchanges, with 210 New Entrepreneurs and 210 Host Entrepreneurs, through the proven ability of the consortium in implementing successful transnational business exchanges among innovative SMEs.