Co-organised by the European Commission, the Czech Presidency and the Committee of the Regions, the 3rd edition of the European Enterprise Awards showcases and rewards the most innovative initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and small business at national, regional and local level.

Policies that promote entrepreneurship and create a favourable environment for business, in particular small and medium-sized enterprises, are crucial if the European Union is to rise to its number one challenge of stimulating economic growth and creating new jobs.

The European Commission Vice-President Günter Verheugen launched in November 2005 the European Enterprise Awards, which recognise and reward outstanding initiatives that support entrepreneurship at the regional level.

The awards objectives are fourfold:

• 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.

There are five categories in the European Enterprise Awards:

1. Entrepreneurship Promotion Award

Recognises actions and initiatives at national, regional or local level that promote an entrepreneurial mindset and a culture that encourages creativity, innovation and risk-acceptance.

2. Red-tape Reduction Award

Recognises measures at national, regional or local level to simplify legislation and administrative procedures for businesses as well as to implement the “Think Small First” principle in favour of the small and medium sized enterprises.

3. Enterprise Development Award

Recognises innovative policies at regional or local level that promote enterprise, facilitate access to national and international markets and attract investment particularly in disadvantaged areas.

4. Investment in Skills Award

It recognises initiatives at regional or local level to improve entrepreneurial, vocational, technical and managerial skills.

5. Responsible and Inclusive Entrepreneurship Award

Recognises regional or local actions that promote corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices in the social and/or environmental domain. This category will also recognise efforts to promote entrepreneurship among disadvantaged groups such as unemployed, disabled or people from ethnic minorities.

The European Jury will also present the Jury’s Grand prize to the entry that is considered the most creative and inspiring entrepreneurship initiative in Europe.

For this third edition, whose awards ceremony is part of the First European SME week, there are thirteen finalist proyects from 10 different countries of the Union (Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, United Kingdom, Spain, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden).

Moreover, a special award will be given for the Best Idea for Red Tape Reduction, sponsored by the High Level Group for the Reduction of Administrative Burden, and will be presented by Dr Edmund Stoiber, Chairman of the High Level Group.