What the EU does for SMEs?

Europe’s 23 million small and medium- sized enterprises (SMEs) are the lifeblood of Europe’s economy, accounting for over 98% of businesses. They have provided two thirds of the total private employment and around 80% of new jobs created over the past five years.

However, these are tough times for small firms. Cash flow problems and red tape, along with the global economic downturn, mean companies need a helping hand to weather the storm.

So, in order to promote innovation and job creation, the European Union is pulling out all the stops to support SMEs.

Small Business Act (SBA), access to finance, promotion of entrepreneurship, access to market, 'Thinking Big for Small Businesses - What the EU does for SMEs' is a brochure introducing all the main initiatives of the EU to help SMEs in a clear and simple language.

The brochure is available in 21 languages.