Some business leaders say the outgoing EU executive has been the best that SMEs have ever known, while others fear the Small Business Act could be overlooked if the next Commission does not keep up the momentum. EurActiv.fr contributed to this report.

Is it impossible for small companies to win public contracts? Public procurement is generally seen at least as a daunting task for smaller enterprises. The Small Business Act for Europe was launched by the European Commission 25 June 2008 to lower the hurdles faced by small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). The aim was neatly put by Commission president José Manuel Barroso: Less red tape...

In the context of the Small Business Act for Europe, the European Commission suggested public contracting improvements in the Commission staff working document ‘European Code of Best Practices - Facilitating Access by SMEs to Public Procurement Contracts’, Brussels, 25.6.2008 SEC(2008) 2193 (22 pages): In this second post on the European Code of Best Practices, we look at the rest of t...

Business groups are urging the EU to extend a series of support mechanisms which were temporarily introduced two years ago to prop up the small business sector, warning that SMEs remain in crisis mode due to difficulties accessing finance.

The European Commission has published a Handbook on Community state aid rules for SMEs, including temporary state aid measures to support access to finance in the current financial and economic crisis. At this moment, the Handbook is available only in English, but translations are promised. The 42 page Handbook will be in demand among governments, business organisations and small and medium-sized ...

A long-awaited report card on the Small Business Act has been delayed after the European Commission's Secretary General Catherine Day sent a December draft back, demanding that the final version contain concrete proposals, EurActiv has learned.

Conservatives give cautious welcome to new EU Commission Small Business initiative

Policymakers should prepare for a future in which big manufacturing business no longer exists and has been replaced by a string of ‘micro-multinational’ SMEs, according to a policy brief from an influential European think tank. More »

Alistair Darling says it is vital to provide funds to small business as he prepares to unveil a £4bn package of support.

Finance Secretary welcomes European approval for greater flexibility in providing public sector support for business.