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The Ministry of Economics invites organizations representing the interests of entrepreneurs, as well as state, regional or municipal institutions and organizations, and public-private partnership organizations established between government institutions and companies, educational programs, and business organizations that have implemented measures to promote entrepreneurship in Latvia, to participate in the annual European Commission competition "European Enterprise Promotion Awards". Projects for the competition can be submitted until July 18 of this year.
The goal of the competition is to identify and recognize the most successful entrepreneurship promoters across Europe, especially highlighting the best policies and practices, raising awareness of the added value of entrepreneurship, and encouraging and inspiring potential entrepreneurs.
Entrepreneurship promotion projects can be submitted in six categories:
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Improving the Business Environment and Promoting the Entrepreneurial Spirit – This category evaluates initiatives at the national, regional, or local level that promote entrepreneurial thinking, creativity, and innovation, as well as actions to reduce bureaucracy, start new businesses, and ease SME access to public procurement markets.
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Investing in Entrepreneurial Skills – This category recognizes initiatives at the national, regional, or local level that improve the skills of entrepreneurs, managers, and employees. For example, promoting specific skills such as language skills, digital skills, mobility, mentoring programs for entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurship education in schools and universities.
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Supporting the Digital Transition – This category evaluates innovative policies at the national, regional, or local level that support the digital transformation of companies, enabling them to develop, market, and utilize digital technologies, products, and services.
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Supporting the Internationalisation of Business – This category evaluates policies at the national, regional, or local level that encourage companies — especially small and medium-sized enterprises — to take advantage of opportunities provided by the EU and global markets, expand into new markets, promote cross-border trade, and facilitate internationalization. For example, projects supporting international business cooperation, information or contact-building tools, and programs that help SMEs operate abroad are assessed.
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Supporting the Sustainable Transition – This category evaluates policies and initiatives at the national, regional, or local level that support sustainable transformation and environmental aspects such as circular economy, climate neutrality, clean energy, resource efficiency, or biodiversity. This may include sustainable skills development, partner search initiatives, and financing opportunities.
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Responsible and Inclusive Entrepreneurship – This category recognizes actions by national, regional, or municipal institutions or public-private partnerships that promote corporate social responsibility in micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Efforts to promote entrepreneurship among disadvantaged groups such as the unemployed — especially long-term unemployed, legal migrants, people with disabilities, and ethnic minorities — are also evaluated in this category.
For the national selection round, applicants must complete the application form available on the website of the Ministry of Economics (in Latvian and preferably in English) by July 18 and send it electronically to Mareks.Mikelsons@em.gov.lv or by mail to the Ministry of Economics at Brīvības iela 55, Riga, LV-1519, Latvia. Additional information about the competition and the application form can be found on the Ministry’s website.
The competition has two selection stages: the national-level selection round, organized in Latvia by the Ministry of Economics, and the European-level selection round, where a high-level jury will choose five winners. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in November 2025.
Since 2006, the “European Enterprise Promotion Awards” have recognized outstanding initiatives that support entrepreneurship at the national, municipal, and regional levels. Since its inception, more than 4,400 projects have participated in the competition.