Young European Entrepreneur Award

The Young European Entrepreneur Award is a business pitching contest designed to celebrate innovation and entrepreneurship across all sectors.  Open to young entrepreneurs from diverse industries, this award offers a unique platform for showcasing fresh ideas and groundbreaking ventures.  The 10 finalists will also receive tailored support through a pre-incubation/acceleration programme, providing them with the resources and guidance needed to take their businesses to the next level.

 

 

Prizes

The 10 finalists will receive customised guidance and resources through a pre-incubation/acceleration programme valued at up to €20 000. This comprehensive support is designed to equip them with the tools and expertise needed to elevate their businesses to the next level.

The winner will receive a trophy, symbolising their exceptional innovation and entrepreneurial excellence.

Following the pitching event and award ceremony, the top three applicants will benefit from extensive media coverage and promotional support, showcasing their achievements to a wider audience. Additionally, they will enjoy an all-expenses-paid trip to the SME Assembly in November 2025, held in Denmark, where they can connect with industry leaders and expand their networks.

 

Eligibility Criteria

Could aplly any citizen of an EU country who is

• an EU-based owner or founder of an SME
• between the ages of 18 and 40

1. Individual – Applications can only be received from an individual entrepreneur (team applications are not permitted).
2. Origin – Participants must be EU-based owners or founders of SMEs, and the applicant must be a citizen of an EU country.
3. Age – Applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 40 on 14 March 2025.
4. Business stage – The competition is open to individuals with SMEs in the early stages of development (less than 5 years in operation). Eligible SMEs can be in the pre-seed, seed or early growth stages.
5. Entrepreneurial experience – Entrepreneurs must have less than 5 years of total entrepreneurial experience (including starting other companies).
6. Ownership – The applicant must have a minimum of 51 % ownership of the company on which their application is based.
7. Participation – Only the owner/co-owner of the company can participate and do the final pitch (employees are not allowed to participate).
8. Focus – Businesses should address a key societal, environmental or economic challenge (e.g. UN Sustainable Development Goals).
9. Industry – The competition is open to SMEs and owners of small businesses across all industries, but the business idea must clearly demonstrate innovation and scalability.

 

 

Deadline

14 March 2025

 

More information: European Commission.