A helping hand for SMEs, starting on 24 October
26 September 2001 - 26 September 2001
A senior panel of representatives from the European Commission and the private sector will analyse the issues involved in European methods of SME (small and medium sized enterprise) financing during a Belgian presidency event at Louvain la Neuve on 25 and 26 October.
The issue of SME financing has a great bearing on the fortunes of European business. The gravity of the problem is reflected in the Belgian presidency dedicating the event to discussing best practices. It will aim to start a new type of policy in the area, with more collaboration between the public and private sectors. This is reflected in the panel, which will include the European Commissioners for Research, Competition and Enterprise and Information Society, senior representatives from banks and venture capital funds and academics to analyse how best to help SMEs in the start-up stage. The event will be chaired by Serge Kubla, present chairman of the EU's Industry Council.
As well as discussions, three workshops will be taking place on the first day of the event. These will focus on the relationship between enterprises and bankers, financing of innovation and microcredits. The European risk capital exhibition, featuring more than 100 exhibitors, will be held concurrently in the same building. Many spin-off companies seeking the type of investment being discussed at the event will be attending.
The second day will see the Commissioners and the invited experts speak before an estimated audience of 1000 participants. At the closing round table, an overall approach will be put forward which will identify the tasks facing both the public and the private sectors in helping to better finance SMEs.For further information and to register, please consult the following web address:
http://www.kubla2001.be(opens in new window)
or contact:
Frank van Oss
Tel: +32-2-2674160
The issue of SME financing has a great bearing on the fortunes of European business. The gravity of the problem is reflected in the Belgian presidency dedicating the event to discussing best practices. It will aim to start a new type of policy in the area, with more collaboration between the public and private sectors. This is reflected in the panel, which will include the European Commissioners for Research, Competition and Enterprise and Information Society, senior representatives from banks and venture capital funds and academics to analyse how best to help SMEs in the start-up stage. The event will be chaired by Serge Kubla, present chairman of the EU's Industry Council.
As well as discussions, three workshops will be taking place on the first day of the event. These will focus on the relationship between enterprises and bankers, financing of innovation and microcredits. The European risk capital exhibition, featuring more than 100 exhibitors, will be held concurrently in the same building. Many spin-off companies seeking the type of investment being discussed at the event will be attending.
The second day will see the Commissioners and the invited experts speak before an estimated audience of 1000 participants. At the closing round table, an overall approach will be put forward which will identify the tasks facing both the public and the private sectors in helping to better finance SMEs.For further information and to register, please consult the following web address:
http://www.kubla2001.be(opens in new window)
or contact:
Frank van Oss
Tel: +32-2-2674160