Starting up a Business
The European Union continually strives to improve itself and the quality of life for its citizens. Supporting citizens to start their own businesses plays an import role in reaching these objectives. The EU sees small and medium enterprises (SMEs) as key drivers for economic growth, innovation, employment and social integration. To aid the development and sustainability of these enterprises the European Commission offers advice, information and funding to support these initiatives:
-
European Small Business Portal - Provides a search engine where you can obtain access to funding by country; advice on cross-border issues, copyright rules, innovation, environment and human resources; also information on EU policy and legislation with regard to starting up a business in the EU.
-
Start-up Europe - contributes to the Entrepreneurship 2020 Action Plan. Startup Europe aims to strengthen the business environment for web and ICT entrepreneurs so that their ideas and business can start and grow in the EU. It offers access support services such as advice, networking, legal assistance and much more.
-
Your Europe for Businesses - This portal gives you links to all information you need to start up and sustain a business in Europe, such as:
-
VAT and Customs
-
Selling abroad
-
Staff
-
Product requirements
-
Public Contracts
-
Environment
-
-
Information Portal for Funding Programmes in Cyprus and Europe - provides information on all programmes and calls for proposals, both at European and national level. Funding is provided for a number of ventures ranging from starting a business to research.
-
EU funding and Grants - Information and direct links to EU funding
Additional information:
-
Small business Act for Europe COM(2008)0394 final
-
Information on how the Small Business Act helps small and medium enterprises (SME)
-
Enterprise Europe Network - provides advice and support for small businesses