Excitement is in the air as Bilbao, Spain, hosts the highly anticipated SME Assembly, marking a pivotal moment for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Europe. This annual event, officially opened by the Commission and the Spanish Presidency of the Council, promises a dynamic platform for collaboration and growth.
📅 Key Dates and Format
Running until Wednesday, November 15th, the 2023 SME Assembly convenes in Bilbao, with a hybrid setup allowing both in-person and online participation. This gathering is a flagship component of the EU SME Week, a continent-wide initiative promoting entrepreneurship and fostering the growth of new businesses.
🔍 Insights from Thierry Breton
A highlight of the Assembly will be an online appearance by Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the Internal Market. Joining on Tuesday morning, he will spearhead high-level discussions, panels, interviews, and roundtables. These engagements aim to empower European companies by providing insights and tools crucial for navigating the realms of sustainability and digitalization.
🎙️ Schumpeter Lecture by Sara Sarasvati
Monday evening kicks off with the prestigious Schumpeter Lecture, a tradition featuring influential figures in innovation. This year, Sara Sarasvati, a distinguished scholar and entrepreneur, takes the stage to inspire attendees with her insights into entrepreneurship.
🏆 Recognizing Excellence: Awards Night
The SME Assembly isn’t just about discussions; it’s also a stage for recognition. On Tuesday evening, the European Commission will present the annual Europe Enterprise Promotion Awards, honoring outstanding local and regional initiatives supporting entrepreneurs. Additionally, the spotlight will shine on exceptional EU SMEs that successfully underwent Initial Public Offerings with the announcement of the 2023 Small and Mid-Cap Awards.
🤝 Beyond the Assembly: Enterprise Europe Network Conference
As the SME Assembly concludes on Wednesday, Bilbao continues the momentum by hosting the annual conference of the Enterprise Europe Network. Bringing together over 3,000 experts from across Europe and beyond, this event celebrates the Network’s 15th anniversary and delves into discussions shaping the future of Europe’s SMEs.
🚀 Join the Conversation
Follow the live proceedings, gain insights, and contribute to the dialogue on the SME Assembly’s transformative impact on European businesses. Stay tuned for updates and highlights as Bilbao becomes the epicenter of innovation, collaboration, and growth for SMEs in 2023.
