Allocate funds to build the capacity of existing local structures, such as local governments or chambers of commerce, to provide awareness raising, training and technical assistance to SMEs to help them overcome the challenges and benefit from the opportunities of the transition to a circular and decarbonised economy.

For example, raising awareness to “low-hanging fruit” energy efficiency measures to reduce their energy bill, how to benefit from Power Purchase Agreements, incentives available to convert to an EV fleet, replace old trucks or buses, opportunities to diversify the SME’s products and services seizing the opportunities of circularity and decarbonisation, new markets, etc.

This is essential to catalise the transformation of the local economies across the EU towards a cleaner, more competitive and resilient economy. It will also help to give clarity and confidence to SMEs regarding their future, and to people regarding their livelihoods.

These local structures should reach out to SMEs and invite them to participate in such awareness raising and training sessions, acting as conveners (even if trainers are outsourced). The local structures could also facilitate / coordinate development of sectoral partnerships and aggregation.

P.s. – Horizon Europe should continue to support R&I in SMEs, but it is not enough. Most SMEs will never apply. We need to create other mechanisms to include them in the transition, leaving no one behind.