The Enterprise Europe Network is the largest network of contact points providing information and advice on EU matters to European companies, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
This network has been launched by the European Commission in February 2008 as a one-stop shop where entrepreneurs can get advice and a vast array of supporting services. With its 600local contact points and more than 3000 experienced staff, this is the biggest European service network for companies.
In Brussels, companies can contact Enterprise Europe Brussels, a collaboration between the Brussels Enterprise Agency (BEA) and Beci - Brussels Enterprises Commerce and Industry.
Promote, acquire and use innovation in the company.
Become faster and more efficiently active on an international level.
Get advice on European policy, law and norms.
Collaborate across borders with other businesses or research centers.
Get access to European projects and financing.
These services are free and are based on the “no wrong door”-principle: an entrepreneur can access the network through the contact point of his choice with all his questions on internationalization and innovation and will then be personally assisted or accompanied to the relevant service or organization.
The Enterprise Europe Network offers concrete and effective solutions to entrepreneurs and companies in more than 40 countries, including the 27 EU Member States, three EU candidate countries (members of the European Economic Area) and other participating third countries such as Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Chile, China, Croatia, Egypt, Iceland, Israel, Montenegro, Norway, Russia, Serbia, Switzerland, Syria, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Turkey, and the USA.
With the right information and support, borders no longer pose a barrier to business in Europe. And thanks to its broad membership base, the Enterprise Europe Network highlights the possibilities now available to SMEs worldwide. The network facilitates fast entry into the EU market thanks to its database, the largest of its kind in Europe.
To become a part of the network, all a candidate has to do is contact one of the 600 network partners. The candidate must then complete a profile form and affirm his commitment to the network’s code of conduct. The code of conduct states that a member must always respond to every inquiry from another network member, even if the exchange does not lead to a working relationship. Although the network is much more than just a cross-border business matchmaking service, identifying partners with specific needs and those who can help them is a vital part of the network’s mission.
FP7 is the main financial tool through which the European Union funds research and development activities in Europe. FP7 is the short name for the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development.
As designated National Contact Point (NCP Brussels) , the Brussels Enterprise Agency supports Brussels based SMEs and research centers to get funding for their european R&D project. This support is free of charges !
Information delivery and training: NCP Brussels regularly organises information sessions, personalised mailings, participation in workshops, meetings with key players, and the promotion of success stories. It also produces publications and websites dedicated to specific research areas, and provides professional advice on administrative procedures and contractual issues. Tailor-made training sessions are given to potential EU R&D partners and coordinators. And all the necessary documents are explained and distributed (manuals guidelines, forms etc.).
Partnerships and partner search: through its membership in various professional networks, NCP Brussels is able to help in finding quick solutions and ways to identify partners elsewhere in Europe, in order to make your expertise visible and exploitable or to meet partners who will complement your project.
Follow up on your project: NCP Brussels has developed an approach centred on the needs of enterprises and research centres, and invested in developing the capabilities to offer professional and proactive support during each stage of a project's lifetime (set up, proposal writing, contract negotiation, project implementation, etc.). Before project submission, NCP-Wallonia gets in touch with the competent authorities to validate project ideas. Your proposal is reviewed to ensure that your project has the best chance of success.
Permanent assistance throughout the life-time of your project: NCP Brussels provides tailor-made assistance during the entire lifetime of a project, starting from the moment an idea is born and is validated by its programme owners. Guidance is provided regarding the writing of a consortium agreement, and assistance is given for all contractual obligations, in particular administrative and financial reports.