Blog
How small and medium-sized enterprises can foster a culture of innovation
How can small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) create and nurture a culture of innovation? Discover below seven steps companies should take to develop an innovative mindset and environment that supports growth.
Greening the home decor industry: The story of Xeraliving
Finnish entrepreneurs Veera Ylikotila and Jenni Hakkarainen set up Xeraliving in 2020. Their bold mission is to contribute to a sustainable and transparent interior design industry through items that combine the versatility of natural materials with sleek contemporary style. Working with local and European manufacturers, they produce home accessories and small objects, all with practicality and sustainability at their core. Enterprise Europe Network offered the young company advice on outsourcing, building international networks, and finding new business partners. Hanna Riski, Senior Adviser at the Network partner Business Finland, met with Veera Ylikotila, co-founder of Xeraliving, to share with our readers how they worked together to achieve success.
Step inside the ‘Krtkodom’, the home built into nature
What is sustainable architecture and how can it help designers, architects, builders, and clients minimise harmful energy consumption and pollution? Katarína Jelenáková, Manager for International Cooperation and Support of SMEs at the Network partner Slovak Business Agency, interviewed architect and structural engineer Martin Pribila, the creator of the 'Krtkodom' concept – an alternative housing solution using less land mass and energy and creating a healthy biophilic environment for its inhabitants. Remarkable in its simplicity, the 'Krtkodom' is a thriving business that makes a serious case for a greener life.
How cooperation can help businesses overcome adversity and navigate disruptions
Small businesses in Europe are under more strain than ever before. The ravaging war in Ukraine – adding to a dramatic slowdown in China’s economy, the pandemic, and the climate crisis – is rocking global supply chains, affecting industries from semiconductors to food. In this period of disruption, enhancing the ability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and start-ups to bounce back from crises is crucial for Europe's rapid recovery.
Launching the new Enterprise Europe Network: An interview with Muriel de Grande
As the Enterprise Europe Network enters a new framework period, we talked to Muriel de Grande, Head of Sector at the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), to find out more about the Network’s exciting initiatives and plans for the future.
Building sustainable strategies to future-proof your business: how Network advisers can help
Enterprise Europe Network supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on their path to green business models and sustainable initiatives. The Danish SME Nortech Solutions is a case in point. With the Network’s aid, Nortech teamed up with a Czech company to launch a successful green business in 2019. Fast-forward to today, the Network’s sustainability advisers are helping small businesses develop strategies that build long-term value and reduce risk.
Africagua Canarias: Connecting businesses for a green and resilient future
Africagua Canarias is an international business event connecting Africa with Europe and the wider world on key themes such as water, renewable energies, and climate resilience. The Enterprise Europe Network Partners in the Canary Islands play an essential role in the initiative by fostering interactions between companies and professionals worldwide.
Kabioca: Paving the way to sustainability one cup of coffee at a time
We all love a fresh cup of coffee to kick-start the day, but have you ever wondered what impact this daily habit has on the environment? Read along to find out how the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) supports the French start-up Kabioca on its journey to sustainable and eco-responsible coffee production from farm to cup.
Boosting the European agro-food sector through global partnerships: EEN can help!
The European agro-food sector aims to produce healthy and safe food, using natural resources more effectively. It can also help societies cope with pressing challenges such as food security, climate change, environmental protection, competitiveness, and post-pandemic recovery. The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) group of experts in agro-food supports businesses on their journey to create clean, safe, and sustainable products and services.
Leading change through digitalisation: the example of the Ukrainian Network Partners
How can small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) use digital technologies to stay competitive and overcome adversity? The Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Ukraine Consortium is committed to help businesses become smarter and more resilient through digitalisation.
FINNO – access to finance for South-East European companies
The South-East Europe region is one of the fastest-growing in Europe. It is marked by overall macroeconomic stability featured by low inflation, low budget deficit and stable public debt. These economies are continuously improving the business environment, offering a favourable cost structure – characterised by comparatively low labour and utility costs, and a favourable tax regime. The location provides easy connectivity for trade and transportation, with a great position to serve the markets of the EU, Russia, the Middle East and Northern Africa.
A sustainable mindset – the story of Wildling Shoes
Sometimes the most natural of things can give birth to an outstanding idea. Discover the latest edition of the Network’s Blog! German Network Adviser, Andrea Dohle from ZENIT GmbH interviewed Anna Yona, founder of Wildling Shoes, to ask her what sustainability means to her and how successful a sustainability-focused business strategy can be.
Agility and Resilience in times of crisis: yes, we can!
"Never waste a crisis", it is sometimes said. The Enterprise Europe Network experienced this first-hand when the coronavirus took hold of the world. We made changes at lightning speed to keep our professional Network active. And the results were impressive! Entrepreneurs did not feel abandoned. Supporting and connecting people, even at the height of the storm: this is the strength of our Network!
European Green Tech in the spotlight: making construction sustainable
Green is the new black. There are no doubts about it. We’ve all heard the slogans and buzzwords, but we might still be wondering, what does this really mean? How can companies get on board and go green, especially those working in specific sectors, like the building one, with their own distinct challenges? How do the latest sustainable solutions help deliver economic growth? What kind of help does the Enterprise Europe Network offer?
Eight things you need to know about CETA
The Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) has been in place since autumn 2017. Three years into the Agreement, we can already see some of the huge benefits the Agreement has brought to European and Canadian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). German Network adviser Benno Weissner from ZENIT/NRW and Canadian Network adviser Katelyn Petersen guide you in discovering everything you need to know about CETA.
The Network Blog
Welcome to the Enterprise Europe Network blog! This is the place where we share knowledge from across the world's largest support network for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) with international ambitions. Our bloggers are advisers working for one of the Network's 600 member organisations, businesspeople and other experts associated with the Network. Keep an eye on this space for ideas, insights, events and opportunities that can help small businesses innovate and grow internationally.
Disclaimer
The information and views set out in this blog are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the European Union. Neither the European Union institutions and bodies nor any person acting on their behalf may be held responsible for the use which may be made of the information contained therein.
