SMEs by definition
The SME definition of the European Commission (published in the Official Journal L 124 of 20 May 2003, p. 36 ff) that became effective on 1 January 2005 differentiates micro, small and medium-sized enterprises by their staff number and turnover and/or balance sheet total:
| Category | Employees | Turnover | Balance sheet total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Microenterprises | fewer than 10 | max. € 2 million | max. € 2 million |
| Small enterprises | fewer than 50 | max. € 10 million | max. € 10 million |
| Medium-sized enterprises | fewer than 250 | max. € 50 million | max. € 43 million |
The new SME definition - User guide and model declaration
This guide presents general information and comments to the new SME definition which became effective on 1.1.2005 as well as a model declaration to be filled in by individual enterprises to proof their SME status in order to apply for means from SME promotion programme.
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