The CzechInvest – Investment and Development Business Agency will take over the role of coordinator of the newly established national consortium EEN Czechia from 1 July 2025. This is a follow-up project that can significantly influence the future of SMEs.
From July this year, CzechInvest will be at the helm of a major project to support SMEs. It will become the coordinator of the new Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Czechia consortium, which will build on the existing work of the EEN network in the Czech Republic. Since 2008, the EEN network has been helping companies to grow and establish themselves on the European market and beyond.
“SMEs are the backbone of our economy, bringing innovation, jobs and stability across regions. Their development is our priority, which is why we are focusing on their support in the Economic Strategy: the Czech Republic in the top 10. The new EEN Czechia project will be another important tool to help businesses compete internationally and take advantage of the opportunities of the single European market,” said Lukáš Vlček, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Czech Republic.
The new national consortium will consist of six experienced institutions: CzechInvest, JIC (South Moravian Innovation Centre), BIC Plzeň (Business and Innovation Centre BIC Plzeň), MSIC (Moravian-Silesian Innovation Centre), Association of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Tradesmen of the Czech Republic (AMSP) and CzechTrade. Thanks to their interconnection, companies can more easily penetrate new markets, modernise their processes or look for domestic and foreign partners.
The activities will include seminars, information events or participation in conferences where the EEN offer will be presented to the general public. In addition to the main partners, a network of collaborating institutions is being built around the project – for example universities, innovation centres, clusters or public organisations.
“I believe that we will be able to quickly offer companies specific tailored support – either in the form of personal consulting at CzechInvest and our network of regional offices in regional cities, or by connecting them to our experienced partners. Companies will thus find comprehensive services to support entrepreneurship and innovation under one roof. We want to be better connected with other organisations in the regions and to make better use of European instruments as well as the potential of the EU single market,” says Jan Michal, CEO of CzechInvest.
The aim of the EEN Czechia project is to provide free support to companies across the country – from finding business partners abroad, to advice on financing or digitalization, to the transition to sustainable business. CzechInvest is thus expanding its services and strengthening its role as a strategic partner for entrepreneurs.
The Enterprise Europe Network was established in 2008 and today consists of more than 600 organisations in more than 60 countries. Its aim is to support companies in innovation, growth and expansion abroad. Services are co-funded by the EU Single Market Programme (SMP) and the network is managed by the European agency EISMEA.
Photo source: Adobestock
