Apply for the young European entrepreneur award 2025!

Are you a young entrepreneur with a groundbreaking idea? Do you dream of scaling your business to new heights with the backing of the European Union? Now is your chance!

The Young European Entrepreneur Award (YEEA) 2025 is officially open for applications, offering a unique opportunity for ambitious entrepreneurs across Europe. If you are between 18 and 40 years old and run a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME), this competition is designed to accelerate your business growth with EU support of up to €20,000 per finalist.

Why apply?

🚀 Boost your business with EU support
Finalists will receive up to €20,000 in funding, providing crucial financial assistance to scale up their business operations.

🏆 Compete for the grand prize
The winners will be announced on April 28, 2025, at a prestigious ceremony that puts the spotlight on Europe’s most promising entrepreneurs.

✨ Exclusive pitching opportunity at EU industry days 2025
The Top 5 finalists will pitch their business ideas at EU Industry Days 2025, gaining invaluable exposure, networking opportunities, and media coverage at a high-profile event.

🔥 Recognition & visibility
Your innovative business idea could be showcased on an international stage, connecting you with investors, partners, and policymakers who can help you scale.

Eligibility criteria

To apply, you must:

Be an EU-based owner or founder of an SME.
Be between the ages of 18 and 40 on 14 March 2025.
Have an SME in the early stages of development (less than 5 years in operation).
Have less than 5 years of total entrepreneurial experience.
Hold a minimum of 51% ownership of the company.
Ensure your business addresses a key societal, environmental, or economic challenge.
Demonstrate innovation and scalability in your business idea.