Launch of European Enterprise Awards 2011

By: Katja Schoentag

The European Commission launches the fifth edition of the European Enterprise Awards which reward public initiatives to support business and promote entrepreneurship.

The European Enterprise Awards have been organised by DG Enterprise since 2006 to identify and reward excellence among public authorities in promoting entrepreneurship and small business at national, regional and local level. Every year more than 300 initiatives in each of the participating countries (the EU member states and Norway) compete in the national rounds of the competition. A high-level European jury selects the best entries which are announced at a special ceremony to which all national nominees are invited.

The competition puts the spotlight on the role of the public sector at local, regional and national level in creating the right environment for business and boosting their development with specially conceived projects. Every year, more than 330 projects enter national competitions in 28 European countries. This year, Serbia and Turkey have also joined the competition.

The exchange of good practice and experience triggered by the European Enterprise Awards has fulfilled its primary objectives, which are:

• To identify and recognise successful activities and initiatives undertaken to promote enterprise and entrepreneurship;
• To showcase and share examples of best entrepreneurship policies and practices;
• To create a higher awareness of the role entrepreneurs play in society;
• To encourage and inspire potential entrepreneurs.