Public bodies await enterprise promotion awards in Naples

The third annual SME Assembly has opened in the Italian city of Naples, with local bodies eagerly awaiting the announcement of the European Enterprise Promotion Awards.

The three-day event is taking place from 1-3 October and is promoted by the European Commission. The event gathers together national and regional delegations of European governments, SMEs, business organisations, academia and the media. This year’s conference (‘Growth through enterprise: exploiting the opportunities ahead’) is to be opened by Italian President, HE Giorgio Napolitano.

The assembly includes the annual European Enterprise Promotion Awards, which honours excellence in promoting entrepreneurship and small business at a national, regional and local level. Awards will be presented in six categories, namely ‘Promoting the entrepreneurial spirit’, ‘Investing in entrepreneurial skills’, ‘Improving the business environment’, ‘Supporting the internationalisation of business’, ‘Supporting the development of green markets and resource efficiency’, and ‘Responsible and inclusive entrepreneurship’. National, regional and local authorities, public private partnerships and business organisations are eligible to enter; the European jury chooses the winners.

The SME Assembly is part of the wider European SME Week 2014, taking place across 37 countries from 29 September to 5 October. The week provides information on what the EU and national, regional and local authorities are offering as support to small and medium-sized businesses. The campaign focuses on opportunities for younger people as well as on entrepreneurs’ contribution to Europe’s jobs, innovation and competitiveness.