The 2011 European Enterprise Awards
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 ceremony to which all national nominees are invited. Entries are now open for the 2011 awards.
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
National, regional or local authorities or public-private partnerships from all EU Member States including Norway, Serbia and Turkey are invited to participate.
While particular emphasis is placed on the local and regional level, national initiatives are also accepted, in two categories: "Promoting the entrepreneurial spirit" and "Supporting the internationalisation of business". Eligible entities can be national organisations, towns, cities, regions and communities as well as public-private partnerships between public authorities and entrepreneurs, educational programmes and business organisations.
Candidates must show how their actions have incrementally facilitated business and boosted their region's economy during the two-year period prior to the award year.
The competition comprises of two stages; entrants first have to compete at national level. Each country will select two entries to be nominated to the European competition by December 10, 2010.
Closing date for entries to the national selection is set by each country. The candidate for the UK is the winner of the Enterprising Britain campaign – details of which can be found in August’s Edition of EnterpriseUpfront. The overall winner is yet to be announced.
Interested parties can enter the awards in one of the following five categories:
• Promoting the entrepreneurial spirit
• Investing in skills
• Improving the business environment
• Supporting the internationalisation of business
• Responsible and inclusive entrepreneurship
Nominees will be selected based on the following criteria:
• Originality and feasibility
• The impact they have on the local economy
• The improvement of local stakeholder relations
• Transferability of the project to other regions in Europe
For more information on the European Enterprise Awards please follow this link: http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/policies/sme/best-practices/european-enterprise-awards/index_en.htm
To find out more about The candidates from the UK please follow this link: http://www.bis.gov.uk/policies/enterprise-and-business-support/entrepreneurial-culture/enterprising-britain