Enterprise Europe Network

Enterprise Europe Network Cyprus

Enterprise Europe Network (ΕΕΝ), established in 2008, is the European Commission’s main support tool for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The functioning of the EEN is based on the participation of member organizations known for their excellence in providing business support, such as:

• Chambers of Commerce and Industry
• Innovation support organizations
• Universities and Research Centers
• Regional Development Organizations
• Technology bodies

Geographical Coverage

ΕΕΝ is a network of one-stop shops with representation in over 40 countries worldwide: 27 Member States + 26 third countries with which the EU has signed a cooperation agreement.

EEN Cyprus is represented by a consortium of 4 organizations:

1. Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) – Coordinator
2. Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF) – Member
3. European Office Cyprus (EOC) – Μember
4. Cyprus Energy Agency (CEA) – Member

Mission of the Network

• To promote to local businesses
  • innovation,
  • digital technology,
  • more sustainable business models,
• To find suitable international partners for the development and expansion of businesses abroad,
• Build business resilience to address various challenges such as high energy costs, limited access to capital for economic growth, lack of collateral, lack of skilled labor, etc.
• To help businesses become more competitive in the market in which they operate.

Target Audience (Customers)

✔ Existing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
✔ Start-ups
✔ Scale-ups
✔ Potential entrepreneurs (have a business idea)

Funding

It is funded by the European Commission under the Single Market Program (SMP) 2021 – 2027 (60%), and the remaining 40% by the Hosts. Therefore, the services provided are free of charge.

Provided Services

1. Awareness raising activities:

Includes organization of information workshops, preparation of Circulars/Announcements, social media postings.

2. Personalizsed Support Services: 

Α. Compliance with the EU regulatory framework

All products placed on the Single Market must comply with the essential health and safety requirements. There are around 30 Directives and Regulations that set out the rules of sale, covering a wide range of products from toys to pressure equipment. The Network, in cooperation with the Competent Authorities responsible for Market Surveillance, tries to help local businesses to become aware of and comply with the legislation.

Β. Information about conducting business in other EU member states and third countries (legal requirements, competitors, statistics, etc.)

C. Facilitate Partnerships

• Organization of B2B meetings in the context of International Exhibitions and Business Missions in Cyprus and abroad
• Assistance for participation in international networking events Brokerage Events
• Creation of Partnership Profiles Database of Partnership Opportunities:

• • Search for Partners to promote Cypriot products/ services/ technologies abroad.
  • Search for Partners (Suppliers) for new products/ services/ new innovative technologies/ raw materials.
  • Search for Partners to submit joint proposals to Competitive Programs for research and development projects.

D. Transition to more sustainable and circular business models:

• Organization of workshops
• Exploring new/innovative green technologies and sustainable solutions for energy efficiency, greater resource efficiency, waste, and water management,
• Guidance on applying for EU certificates, such as EU Ecolabel, EMAS.

Ε. Digital Transformation:

• Search for ready-made digital technologies and solutions.
• Search for programs to finance digital upgrade projects.
• Organizing seminars to improve companies’ skills and prepare them for the digital transition.
• Cooperation with the Cyprus Digital Innovation Hub (DIH)

F. EU financial instruments and other financial support tools:

• Information on available National Programs (ERDF), Public Financial Instruments for loans and European financial programs (Horizon Europe etc.)
• Search for the appropriate financial instruments based on the company’s needs (public grants, private capital/investors, or European Programs).
• Connecting businesses with the relevant institutions at European and national level, such as Managing Authorities/Intermediate Bodies for NSRF programs, financial intermediaries, National Contact Points (NCPs) for Horizon Europe.
• Guidance on the preparation of proposals for European funding programs (pre-proposal screening)

G. Innovation:

• Organizing workshops to develop skills for strategic management of technology and innovation.
• Dissemination of research results for exploitation and exploitation.
• Advice on intellectual property rights.
• Tailored services to companies with significant innovation growth potential (participation in the EU EIC Accelerator Program).

 

H. Feedback to EU:

Promote EU public consultations to gather views from local businesses. Subsequently forwarding the results to the EU for analysis and processing. The result is a more workable legislative framework for business.

Network’s approach

• Customer-centric: We assess and place the needs of each interested client at the heart of the Network’s mission to overcome the challenges they face.
• Experience – Know-how – Resources: Staff regularly participate in training seminars organized by the EU abroad.

You can fill in the online Needs Assessment Questionnaire and EEN advisors will contact you for further assistance.