The European Small and Mid-Cap Awards aim to promote best practices and encourage more small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access capital markets via IPOs. This is a joint initiative between the  Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs of the European Commission, EuropeanIssuers, the Federation of European Securities Exchanges (FESE) and the European Investment Fund (EIF).

SMEs remain the backbone of the European economy, today and for the future. Representing over 98% of all European business, SMEs GENERATE two-thirds of all employment IN Europe and contribute nearly 60% of the EU’s gross value added. As the basis for entrepreneurship, innovation and economic growth, SMEs require a supportive financial environment that addresses their financing needs, especially when it comes to accessing capital markets.

The Awards Ceremony first launched in 2013 as a joint initiative by EuropeanIssuers and FESE, with the support of the Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs of the European Commission. In 2025, The European Investment Fund joined as a partner. Together, these organisations represent Europe’s securities exchanges and the companies listed on them. Since 2020, the Awards have been an integral part of the European Commission's annual SME Assembly.

The Awards not only highlight outstanding SMEs but also showcase the diversity of European capital markets.  By promoting stock listings, in particular targeting growth companies, these Awards support the EU’s broader goals of fostering innovation, driving competitiveness, and enabling long-term economic recovery.