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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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!

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.

There is a good chance that you and your employees are working from home due to Covid-19. This means you are likely to be more vulnerable to online attacks. By ransomware, for example. How does ransomware work? What can you do to protect yourself? Choose to be one step ahead of cyber criminals. As an entrepreneur, you can take a few precautions against ransomware. Here are our five tips to keep your business safe!

Napoleon once said, "China is a sleeping giant. Let her sleep, for when she wakes she will move the world." The giant is awake now and has already become one of the largest economies in the world. China is also large enough for us to have to do business on their terms. It’s probably one of the most foreign places we can talk about in terms of the society, behaviour and mindset of people and businesses. In order to do business with the Chinese, we need to forego our usual expectations and practices. Here are a few areas to consider.