Global Business Opportunities open up for Irish SMEs through the Enterprise Europe Network
The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) is the world's largest support network for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and helps Irish companies to make the most of business and technology opportunities in the EU and other major global markets. It is a key instrument in the EU's strategy to boost growth and jobs. Bringing together around 600 business support organisations from more than 60 countries, it helps small companies seize the unparalleled business opportunities in the EU Single Market.
Member organisations include chambers of commerce and industry, technology centres, research institutes and development agencies across Europe. Most of them have been supporting local businesses for a long time. They know their clients' strengths and needs - and they know Europe.
As members of the Enterprise Europe Network they are linked up through powerful databases, sharing their knowledge and sourcing technologies and business partners across all Network countries. But they are also closely linked with the European Commission, which enables them to keep abreast of EU policies and to feed small companies' views on them back to Brussels.
Supporting small business is a cornerstone of the EU's drive for growth and jobs. Because 99% of all EU companies are small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), accounting for 67% of jobs, what's good for SMEs is good for Europe's economy.
See a summary of the services offered by EEN in this short video clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufeqWODyxt8
Enterprise Europe Network announces partnership with Local Enterprise Offices
On November 13th 2015, the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) announced a new partnership with 31 Local Enterprise Offices in Ireland. This will mean free access for Irish companies to Europe’s largest database with up to 10,000 new business and technology opportunities in the EU and many other major global markets.
Speaking at the announcement Tom Hayes, Divisional Manager, Regions & Entrepreneurship, Enterprise Ireland said: “Today’s announcement will open doors for Irish companies to foster new partnerships and access up to 60 international markets, get advice on EU funding and support on bringing their innovative products and technologies to a global audience. It is an important step in bringing Irish companies closer to our European counterparts, and will enhance the services that Local Enterprise Offices can offer Irish companies”.
Michael Tunney, Head of Local Enterprise in Donegal commented: “As the first-stop shop for enterprise, the network of Local Enterprise Offices' role is to encourage a culture of entrepreneurship in Ireland. In partnership with the Enterprise Europe Network, Local Enterprise Offices across the country can now support SMEs in becoming more knowledgeable and competitive in global markets, leading to greater international business opportunities”.
In Ireland, The Enterprise Europe Network in Ireland is a joint partnership between Enterprise Ireland, Local Enterprise Offices, Dublin Chamber of Commerce and Cork Chamber of Commerce. The Network is co-financed under ‘COSME’, the EU funding programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and SMEs. The services are tailored for SMEs but are also available to all other businesses, universities and research centres.
Information on the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) can be found on the dedicated Irish website www.een-ireland.ie
and the EU website http://een.ec.europa.eu/.
Some Core EEN Services include:
What are partner searches?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpMvtV0_9mM
What is a brokerage event?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KQ1ijQFJtQU
To show an expression of interest in drafting a partnering profile to be displayed on the Enterprise Europe Network: Click Here
Alternatively, contact your local EEN partner, Local Enterprise Office Cavan, as a first step to gain international success:
Email: localenterprise@cavancoco.ie or Phone: 049 4377200
