The transition to economic, environmental and social sustainability has become a major priority for the new European Commission. At the same time, all main actors have agreed that this transition must be based on a strong and resilient economy which finds its backbone in Small and medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

The Network has been working relentlessly to prove that resilience is not just a concept, but, rather, a way forward. These stories illustrate the valuable work that Network partners have been doing to support SMEs around the world.

The end of such period will have major consequences for European businesses trading with the UK. For instance, tax and customs procedures will change. Therefore, small businesses and all stakeholders involved need to get ready.

Uruguay is a country with a history of political, democratic and social stability, and macroeconomic strength, which creates the right environment to develop successful investments. Thanks to the entry of Uruguay in June 2020, European and Uruguayan SMEs will have a brand new range of opportunities to explore. The Enterprise Europe Network Uruguay offers access to market intelligence, partnering opportunities, and innovation support for European SMEs looking for business opportunities in Uruguay, and vice versa for Uruguayan SMEs.

In recent months, the coronavirus pandemic has affected supply chains and impacted companies, industries and goods. This has caused an unseen global economic slowdown.

When considering a second-hand car, it is sometimes challenging to know if it has ever been involved in an accident or if it has hidden damage. With the support from the Enterprise Europe Network, Lithuanian firm carVertical has been able to make the histories of second-hand cars across Europe clearer and more transparent.

The entry of Canada into the Enterprise Europe Network in June 2020 opens a completely new range of opportunities for European SMEs in North America.

Situated off the west coast of Ireland, the small and tranquil Achill Island is now home to a thriving international business, thanks to the support from the Enterprise Europe Network. Achill Oysters, an Irish aquaculture business, has been able to reach new markets around the world while simultaneously sustaining the island’s sea farming heritage.

In the context of the coronavirus pandemic, small and medium-sized enterprises around the world are struggling to bounce back from the challenges they are currently facing. Their priorities have shifted and their needs have changed. To help them navigate these unfamiliar waters, the Enterprise Europe Network is showing what resilience is all about.

The new decade began differently than anyone could have ever expected. The abrupt and sweeping changes that we now face because of the COVID-19 crisis were impossible to foresee. Different needs, new rules, shifting priorities; we were all asked to adapt quickly to an unprecedented situation. SMEs around the world are struggling to stay afloat and to adjust to the current challenge. This is where the Enterprise Europe Network stands strong, helping companies overcome these difficult times.