The sixth category of the European Enterprise Promotion Awards (EEPA) recognises initiatives from across Europe that champion responsible and inclusive entrepreneurship. 

From 29 countries, 442 initiatives entered the contest; the following five national winners have been identified by the juries for promoting corporate social responsibility among SMEs and entrepreneurship among disadvantaged groups, such as the unemployed, migrants, disabled people, and ethnic minorities:

Denmark: The European-Ukrainian Hub 

The European-Ukrainian Hub was nominated for the EEPA in 2023 but has since made huge advances in supporting Ukrainian entrepreneurs in Denmark. The new 1,400 sqm hub in Copenhagen offers a space for daily events, workshops, and entrepreneurial training, while the project's initiatives have also expanded to neighbouring Sweden and Norway. Focusing on sustainability and social innovation among young Ukrainian and Danish entrepreneurs, the initiative aims to help Ukrainian refugees develop entrepreneurial skills, start businesses, and contribute to the rebuilding of Ukraine.

France: POSITIV 

POSITIV was established in 2006 in Paris, aiming to support the residents of disadvantaged neighbourhoods in securing sustainable employment through entrepreneurship. The initiative offers comprehensive support, from awareness-raising, training, and project development assistance to supporting new small businesses and ensuring their longevity. With a presence in 170 Priority Urban Zones across six French regions, it has facilitated over 48,000 initial consultations and supported more than 25,500 entrepreneurs. POSITIV's approach involves technical and behavioural training, confidence boosting, and mentoring to ensure that the path to employment is accessible to all.

Germany: ReDI School of Digital Integration 

The ReDI School of Digital Integration is a non-profit technology school founded in Berlin, Germany, in 2015, now operating across Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. ReDI stands for 'Readiness' and 'Digital Integration,' reflecting the two-pronged nature of the project. The school accelerates the integration of refugees into the job market, supporting both their societal integration and developing their digital skillset. Since its launch, over 25,000 tech-interested students have accessed free training sessions from 5,000 experts. Around 65% of the school's current students are women or girls.

Latvia: Mobilitātes Centrs cilvēkiem ar kustību traucējumiem (MobilCentrs)

Founded in 2018, MobilCentrs Ltd., a labour and social enterprise, aims to create employment opportunities for people with disabilities and those at risk of social exclusion. The company has successfully employed four individuals from these vulnerable groups and has served over 600 unique clients. MobilCentrs plays a crucial role in developing social services for people with disabilities in Ventspils. The company offers a wide range of services, including mobility and assistant escort services, rental of auxiliary equipment, home care, consultations, and tourism services for those with mobility impairments. Additionally, MobilCentrs is a proud member of the Latvian Social Entrepreneurship Association, further solidifying its commitment to social impact and community support.

Poland: SamoDZIELNI (Self-Valiant) 

SamoDZIELNI is an innovative project by the Polish Development Fund Foundation aimed at assisting young individuals from foster care in transitioning into the job market. Since its launch in 2019, the project has benefited 140 participants aged 17-20 by providing mentoring and training that extends beyond the completion of the programme. The initiative aims to equip young people with communication skills, entrepreneurship knowledge, and an understanding of labour laws, banking, and finance to prepare them for success in the recruitment process and starting their own business ventures.

Stay tuned to the Promoting Enterprise Futurium platform and social media channels (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X) to stay informed about the European stage of the competition! 

The overall winner of each category will be announced at the awards ceremony held at the SME Assembly 2024 in Budapest, Hungary (18-20 November).