The EU Commission has just completed a European week for small and medium sized businesses between May 6th and May 14th in 35 countries for the first time.

The idea and focus were to create equal opportunities for small and medium sized enterprises across Europe and help them grow by reducing bureaucracy.

By "thinking small first" the decision-makers will think about how small businesses will be affected before introducing new rules. This allows the business to avoid unnecessary legal and administrative burdens. It would also make it easier for small businesses to obtain financial support from the European Investment Bank, and encourage women and young people to start their own business.

Over the past five years, the Commission has also eased restrictions on state aid, so that companies easier can participate in public procurement. Right now, the Commission is seeking measures to the problem of late customer payments, which makes it difficult for companies to pay their bills on time, forcing many companies into bankruptcy.

                                                                                    Tony Harkén