European Enterprise Awards 2011: Award Categories

There are five categories in the EEA 2011 awards, modified slightly from last year’s competition, so that they are in line with the priorities of the strategy Europe 2020 for economic growth and prosperity in the European Union:

1. Promoting the entrepreneurial spirit
   Recognises actions and initiatives at national, regional or local level that promote an entrepreneurial mindset especially among young people and women.

2. Investing in skills
   Recognises initiatives at regional or local level to improve entrepreneurial, vocational, technical and managerial skills.

3. Improving the business environment
   Recognises innovative policies at regional or local level that promote enterprise start-up and growth, simplify legislative and administrative procedures for businesses and implement the “Think Small First” principle in favour of small and medium-sized enterprises.

4. Supporting the internationalisation of business
   Recognises policies to encourage enterprises and particularly small and medium-sized businesses to benefit more from the opportunities offered by markets both inside and outside the European Union.

5. Responsible and inclusive entrepreneurship
   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 Jury’s grand prize will be awarded to the initiative considered the most creative and inspiring entrepreneurship in Europe.