The largest confederation of voluntarily associated small and medium-sized enterprises in Europe

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January 17, 2024322
European Entrepreneurs Launches Its Manifesto for the European Parliament Elections: A European Real Economy for a Realistic Industry Policy

Our confederation has launched a manifesto calling upon the European Union’s institutions, member states, political families, business community, and civil society to prioritize a Green, Digital, and – most of all – A COMPETITIVE Transition of the European Industry with realistic targets, timeframes, and technological openness.

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    European Entrepreneurs CEA-PME


    Joint Forces for Europe`s Mittelstand!

    European Entrepreneurs CEA-PME (Confédération Européenne des Associations de Petites et Moyennes Entreprises) is the largest confederation of voluntarily associated small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) and Mid-Caps.

    Founded in 1992, we are a Brussels-based business federation with 30 European national and sectoral associations among its members, with over 2.4 million voluntarily associated companies represented, employing over 23 million people in 35 European countries. We maintain relationships with 15 partner associations in Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

    Advocating at National and EU Levels for Favorable Business Conditions and Regulatory Frameworks

    Through its advocacy work, European Entrepreneurs CEA-PME contributes to sustainable economic growth, job creation, and the overall competitiveness of European SMEs.

    In collaboration with stakeholders and entrepreneurs across the European Union, we work towards creating favourable business conditions and regulatory frameworks for SMEs. By engaging with the European Commission and member states, the confederation actively participates in shaping EU policies that support SMEs and promote entrepreneurship.

    As a confederation representing  27 national associations of European SME and Mid-Caps, we actively engage in political discussions at both national and EU levels. Through position papers and outreach activities, we highlight the needs and challenges faced by SME and Mid-Caps to policymakers. But not only by advocating for SME-friendly policies and regulations at the EU-Institutions, we contribute to the sustainability and growth of European small and medium enterprises, also with informing about and creating new opportunities offered by the EU and by the members in other countries we help them.

    Our efforts have successfully influenced political decisions and secured support measures that benefit SMEs across Europe, such as recovery plans during the COVID crisis. By working collectively and representing the interests of European SMEs, we have been instrumental in shaping EU policy and creating an enabling environment for small businesses.

    Promoting Entrepreneurship and Innovation

    European Entrepreneurs CEA-PME recognises the vital role of entrepreneurship and innovation in Europe's economic growth and job creation. To further promote these aspects, we actively engage in partnerships and projects to facilitate mentoring, professional training, and support for new and experienced entrepreneurs.

    We played and continue to play a crucial role in several EU-funded projects to support entrepreneurs in Europe. The organisation actively lead the EU-funded projects MobiliseSME, DigitaliseSME, and DataSkills4SMEs, to name a few. MobiliseSME focused on facilitating cross-border mobility for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) employees, allowing them to gain international experience and foster collaborations. DigitaliseSME aimed to help SMEs embrace digital technologies and transform their businesses with the support of digitalisation experts. DataSkills4SMEs focused on promoting data literacy and skills among SMEs, enabling them to harness the power of data for innovation and growth. Lastly, the ongoing project we are part of, MEGASKILLS, aims to encourage the development of essential skills needed in the digital era. Through its involvement in these projects, we actively contribute to the growth and success of entrepreneurs by providing them with valuable resources and opportunities.

    Through events, webinars, workshops, and campaigns, we aim to foster a culture of entrepreneurship among companies with decades of history and young individuals and start-ups. Additionally, by emphasising the development of digitalisation and connectivity through our platform SME2B, which fosters a continuous match-making process by organising online and offline meeting for business opportunities in Europe among entrepreneurs of different countries, we enable SMEs to adapt and thrive in the evolving European business landscape.

    Collaboration and Partnerships

    European Entrepreneurs CEA-PME understands that collaboration and partnerships are crucial for achieving its objectives in fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. We not only maintain strong alliances with associations across different continents, for example, through our platform, African European Entrepreneurs, which promotes a continuous match-making process by organising online and offline meeting for business opportunities in Africa and Europe.

    We also recognise the significance of the EU single market. By promoting the integration of SMEs within the single market, we aim to enhance SME policy and create an ecosystem that facilitates their growth and success.

    The organisation connects entrepreneurs to a broader audience by using many communication channels such as media outreach, social media and newsletters focusing on news from SMEs, policy updates, and funding opportunities, enabling them to explore new markets and expand their businesses. Additionally, by connecting European SMEs to global networks and value chains, we aim to open up new opportunities for growth and expansion, ultimately contributing to the overall success of entrepreneurs in Europe.

    Facilitating Access to Funding and Financial Resources

    One of the critical areas of focus for European Entrepreneurs CEA-PME is facilitating access to funding and financial resources for SMEs. Recognising the importance of financial support for the growth and sustainability of small businesses, we actively engage with policymakers and stakeholders to advocate for increased tailored programs and support measures for SMEs.

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    The largest confederation of voluntarily associated small and medium-sized companies in Europe.

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