The European Enterprise Promotion Awards' (EEPA) 2024 third category, "Supporting the Digital Transition," honours projects that promote the digitalisation of enterprises, enabling businesses to develop, market, and utilise digital technologies, products, and services. This aligns with the EU's commitment to a digital transition, aiming to empower businesses with next-generation technologies for a Europe fit for the digital age.

From 442 contestants in 29 participating countries, the following three entries have been selected to enter the final stage of EEPA in this category:

Poland: Bezgotówkowe Kino Objazdowe (Cashless Mobile Cinema) 

To promote cinema culture and digital financial education in smaller towns, the Polska Bezgotówkowa Foundation (Cashless Poland Foundation) launched the "Cashless Mobile Cinema" event, which has visited 110 towns across Poland to date. The Mobile Cinema provides entertainment by showcasing the latest films but also aims to improve the digital and financial competencies of regional communities and expand cashless payments, benefitting local businesses. The event includes educational videos on finance and supports small businesses as they adopt digital and cashless technologies into their operations.

Serbia: OSNAŽENE (Empowered) 

OsnaŽene is Serbia's first digital platform for women's business that connects over 1,500 female entrepreneurs from Serbia and eight other countries. The initiative provides opportunities for education and networking, offering resources through micro-sites for women entrepreneurs to sustain and grow their small businesses. The initiative empowers women to take control of their personal and business lives by equipping them with crucial business skills, while contributing to the social development of both Serbia and the entire region.

Spain: Todo está en Madrid (Everything is in Madrid) 

The "Everything is in Madrid" programme, launched by the Madrid City Council, has digitised and compiled the city's commercial and hospitality offerings. The programme provides a digital space for small and medium enterprises, easily accessible to citizens and tourists alike, to expand SME visibility both online and offline. Businesses are also able to open their own micro-site where consumers can view and purchase their products. The project leverages digital technologies to enhance the commercial viability of small businesses across Madrid.

The overall winner of the category will be announced at the SME Assembly in Budapest, hosted by the Hungarian Presidency of the European Union, on the 19 November 2024. Although onsite attendance is at full capacity, you can register online to watch the EEPA awards ceremony! 

You can also stay tuned to #EEPA2024 by following Promoting Enterprise on social media (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X) and checking Futurium regularly!