The SME Envoys met in Brussels to shape a strategy aimed at freeing the growth potential and competitiveness of SMEs. They agreed in some key points such as making possible to start a company in 3 days for less than €100, increasing access to finance and public procurement and reducing bureaucracy, including by introducing an SME-friendly test for all new legislation at EU and Member State level.

The national SME Envoys presented during a meeting the progress in the national implementation of the Small Business Act for Europe and agreed an ambitious action plan. Also it was their first meeting with Daniel Calleja, the EU SME Envoy, who is in this position from May 2011. At the meeting, the SME Envoys agreed to shape a strategy aimed at freeing the growth potential and competitiveness of SMEs. For achieving such goals, they agreed in some key elements: making it possible to start a company in 3 days for less than €100, increasing access to finance and public procurement and reducing bureaucracy, including by introducing an SME-friendly test for all new legislation at EU and Member State level.

With regard to the SME Test, this is a vital component of the 'Think Small First' principle, laid down in the Small Business Act (SBA) for Europe adopted in 2008. In 2011, with the publication of the SBA Review approved this year by the Council, the role of the SME Test was further strengthened. Currently, slightly less than half of all EU Member States report that they already apply the SME Test. Most Member States find that the SME Test has real added value for SMEs in their countries, according to a recent survey conducted by the European Commission. In particular, Member States stress that the SME Test gives small enterprises time to adapt their businesses to new legislation, thus saving money. In addition, the SME Test contributes to avoiding legislation which could lead to a disproportionate burden on enterprises. It also renders the potential impacts of new proposals on SMEs clearer and mitigating measures easier to identify.

The SME Envoys agreed to implement the above measures in all Member States by September 2012. With these measures Europe is actively strengthening the position of SMEs, which are widely viewed as critical to restoring economic growth.