1.2.     INFORMATION AND ADVICE FOR BUSINESSES –
ENTERPRISE EUROPE NETWORK (EEN)

The Enterprise Europe Network, launched in February 2008, is intended to help SMEs to develop their innovative potential and to raise their awareness on Commission policies.
Building on the strengths and achievements of the Euro Info Centres and the Innovation Relay Centres, this new European Commission initiative offers entrepreneurs a one stop shop where they can seek advice and benefit from a wide range of easily accessible business support services in order to boost knowledge economy.
Small businesses, especially in their early stages, often do not have the resources to closely monitor the many different kinds of assistance EU programmes can provide. Nor are they always able to fully assess the innovative and market potential of their products or explore new business opportunities, particularly outside the areas they know well.
The Enterprise Europe Network bridges this gap. With more than 500 contact points and almost 4,000 experienced staff members, the network is the largest in Europe providing expertise and services for business. These are available to companies of all sizes irrespective of whether they are in manufacturing or services, although they are primarily directed at SMEs, research institutes, universities, technology centres and business and innovation development agencies.
Browse the Enterprise Europe Network website at:http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise-europe-network
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‘What can EEN members do for me?’

EEN members generally can support you in one of three ways. Example questions clarify each field of activity.

Field 1:  Inform you on EU matters

Examples             - ‘What is the latest legislation on maximum noise levels for manufacturing?’
- ‘Do I need to put CE marking on my products?’
- ‘Is there financial aid to buy new machinery or to produce a feasibility study for a joint venture?’ How can the EU support my innovation and R&D investments?
- ‘What safety standards exist for my machinery?’
- ‘When can I put the ‘ECO label’ on my products?’
- ‘How much import duty is there on wine imported into the EU from Ukraine?’

Field 2:  Advise and assist you

Examples             - ‘I need advise on public procurement, business co-operation, financing, market research and European legislation, …’
- ‘I need assistance to apply for Commission projects and to fulfil administrative formalities, …’
- ‘I need support in identifying potential business partners in other European countries, interesting trade fairs in my branch,…

Field 3:  Strengthen your voice in the EU

Example                               - ‘I want to give confidential feedback to the Commission about recurring obstacles to my enterprise and business in general.’