ESBA Then...
Established in 1998, ESBA is one of the most recent European small business organisations to operate in Brussels. It differs from sometimes-older SME organisations, in that ESBA only represents fully independent small business advocacy and benefits organisations, which are based on free membership. ESBA’s members do not comprise statutory membership groups. ESBA's core values are defined by Honorary President, Brian A. Prime.
ESBA's aim is to focus the activities of independent small business representative organisations throughout Europe and beyond to ensure that small enterprises are at the forefront of the EU's economic policy. To achieve this ambitious goal, our actions are guided by few but precise principles : - Encouraging and assisting the expansion of entrepreneurship. - Working with European Institutions and other appropriate bodies to create a more harmonious environment for SMEs, an environment that will generate sustainable growth, greater employment opportunities and economic freedom for all our peoples. - Promoting and protecting the interests of SMEs throughout Europe in an unselfish manner, always mindful of the needs of others. - Encouraging trading activities beyond the borders of Europe and expanding our influence on a global basis.- Inviting and attracting selected professional bodies with the aim of bringing together 'all the players' in the field of enterprise to advance the creative, entrepreneurial culture in Europe. |
Although relatively unknown by EU Officials, the views of SMEs expressed by independent organisations and statutory membership groups can sometimes be different, if not contradictory. ESBA is committed to ensuring that independent SME organisations have equal access to EU dialogues. ESBA has, however, and will continue to engage in open dialogue with policy-makers and all business stakeholders to improve the representation of SMEs in Europe.
Below is a snapshop of the most important steps in ESBA's history since 1998:
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1998 |
ESBA was established (as a non-profit body) by 8 national SME Associations under the Presidency of Brian A. Prime |
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1999 |
ESBA created and launched the new ESBA Bulletin newsletter |
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2000 |
ESBA published its 30 SME 'Millenium Declaration' proposals |
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2001-2003 |
ESBA became a regular contributor to EU Policy consultations |
| 2004 | ESBA developed a series of Coaching workshops for members |
| 2005 | ESBA launched its new 5 year Business Plan and 'Vision 2020' |
| 2006 | ESBA elected a new President, Tina Sommer, enlarged its Brussels Team and launched the new ESBA Monthly Review |
...and ESBA Now
Since its creation, ESBA has grown, raising its profile and relevance, to become one of the major voluntary membership based organisations of small entrepreneurs in Europe. Through its direct membership, associate membership and cooperation agreements, ESBA today represents almost one million small businesses and covers 35 European countries. Over the years, ESBA has gained and developed significant expertise in three main fields
a) Providing EU intelligence for SMEs and member organisations
b) Advocating and profiling their cause on EU initiatives
c) Promoting stronger organisations through coaching activities
Providing EU intelligence for SMEs and member organisations
In conjunction with the ESBA Board, The Brussels Team has developed some of the most precise information and intelligence tools available to keep members abreast of EU policies, regulatory initiatives and EU programmes representing either threats or opportunities to small business entrepreneurs. More here
Advocating and profiling their cause on EU initiatives
ESBA coordinates campaigns to represent the interests of small business entrepreneurs and self-employed at EU level, as well as representing SMEs in an increasing number of official consultations and maintaining regular contact with the EU media to profile their ideas and positions on key issues. More here
Promoting stronger organisations through new coaching content
The Brussels team organises activities to promote ESBA's model of business representation. A series of Coaching Workshops and ad-hoc training sessions are being developed into a comprehensive Coaching Programme to build stronger independent advocacy and benefits groups in EU Countries. More here
Page last updated: 16/03/2007 11:52:29