09/03/2012 (Agence Europe) - European Enterprise Promotion Awards 2012 - results in November. The Commission launched the 2012 European Enterprise Promotion Awards on 8 March. These awards acknowledge the success of public bodies and public-private partnerships in promoting enterprise and entrepreneurship. One of the subjects for the 2012 edition will be SME funding for those entrepreneurs wishing to extend their business and enter new markets. There are five different award categories: - promoting the entrepreneurial spirit; - investing in skills; - improving the business environment; - supporting the internationalisation of businesses; - responsible and inclusive entrepreneurship. The competition is over two stages; applicants first have to compete at national level, with each country able to select two entries to be nominated to the European competition by 16 July 2012. An expert jury will then select the 2012 winners and the awards ceremony will take place at the 2012 SME Assembly in Cyprus in November. (EH/transl.rt)