Allocate funds to build the capacity of existing local structures, such as local governments or chambers of commerce, to support local SMEs in overcoming the challenges (and benefiting from the opportunities of) the transition to a circular and decarbonised economy. The support services provided by the local structures to SMEs should include:

• awareness raising and training sessions for SMEs
• dialogues for development of sectoral partnerships and aggregation
• entry point for technical and financial support.

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

Examples of possible topics awareness raising and training sessions should cover: overview of opportunities for technical and financial assistance, energy efficiency measures and how they reduce the energy bill, 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.