THE INNOVATION RELAY CENTRE NETWORK IS CHANGING! New name, bigger network and even greater European business support.ENTERPRISE EUROPE NETWORK - business support at your doorstep
Small businesses are the backbone of the European economy. They are major sources of employment and of innovative goods and services. As such, they fulfil a vital role in jobs creation and help the European economy growth in strength and play to its strengths in an increasingly competitive world.
The new Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) is a significant initiative to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) develop their full potential and innovative capacity. Fewer than one in ten SMEs do business outside their own country, despite the abolition of national barriers and the opportunities firms with comparative advantages can find in niche markets. By using established contact points, the network can provide specialised advice for companies wishing to expand their operations abroad - not just within the EU, but also further afield.
Europe's commitment to small businesses
The EEN can help companies develop business activities or technological co-operation; provide advice on support for innovative business and how to access risk finance. It can also explain the opportunities available from EU programmes and funding. All services are offered by each network partner as a one stop shop service for companies. They are mainly directed at start-ups and existing SMEs, but may also be used by larger companies, research institutes, universities, technology centres and business and innovation development agencies.
More than 500 contact points in some 40 European countries are part of the network. All the organisations in the new network, with their different backgrounds in business, research and industry, have extensive experience of helping small firms. The majority had already participated in the two previous support networks - Euro Info Centres and Innovation Relay Centres - which had operated for 20 and 12 years respectively.
Big support for small businesses
By welding those earlier services together, and adding additional ones, the new network provides a more integrated approach, particularly as the consortia involved are more extensive than previously.
Not only are greater synergies possible, but the network is also closer to its potential clients. The large number of contact points in each geographical region means that entrepreneurs have business support at their doorstep.
What can EEN do for you?The network partners offer the broadest range of service to help, assist and advise SMEs. They supply information on, and help in accessing EU policies, programmes and funding opportunities.
They:
- Assist companies in identifying potential commercial partners, especially in other countries;
- Help SMEs develop new products, to access new markets and to inform them about EU activities and opportunities;
- Advise small businesses on technical issues such as intellectual property rights, standards and EU legislation;
- Act as a two-way street between entrepreneurs and EU decision-makers, relaying views in both directions.
To discuss any of the services offered by the Midlands Innovation Relay Centre further or for a free consultation please contact us to arrange a meeting.
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