European Capitals of Small Businesses (ECoSR) 2027 – Open Call
The European Capitals of Small Retail (ECoSR) initiative is an action of the European Union, promoted by the European Parliament and launched by the European Commission, whose objective is to recognize those cities that have developed outstanding measures to support small businesses and maintain dynamic and attractive urban centers. Small businesses play an essential role in the local economy, helping to create more vibrant neighborhoods, preserving the cultural identity of cities and strengthening economic resilience thanks to their close relationship with local businesses and consumers.
Created to respond to the new challenges facing urban commerce, the ECoSR initiative identifies, recognizes, rewards and disseminates those cities that stand out for their policies to support small businesses and the creation of prosperous local environments. Through this call, the aim is to make visible effective support models for small merchants, highlight the experiences of digitalization and ecological transition of the commercial sector, promote the exchange of knowledge and good practices between local administrations and raise awareness about the economic and social importance of local commerce.
The initiative was proposed by the European Parliament as a Preparatory Action, following a citizen petition, and is currently implemented by the Executive Agency of the European Innovation Council and SMEs (EISMEA) on behalf of the Directorate General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs of the European Commission (DG GROW).
After the success of the 2026 edition, a new call for European Small Business Capitals 2027 is open, which aims to recognize and make visible European cities that develop innovative policies to support small businesses, revitalize urban centers and strengthen the local economy. Its main objectives are to reward good practices related to sustainability, digitalization, support for entrepreneurship, community participation and improving the attractiveness and vitality of cities.
- Identify, recognize, reward, and promote cities that stand out for their policies supporting small businesses.
- Highlight effective models of support for small businesses.
- Highlight experiences in digitalization and ecological transition within the retail sector.
- Promote the exchange of knowledge and best practices among local governments.
- Raise awareness of the economic and social importance of local businesses.
Municipal administrations of cities in the Member States of the European Union and of the countries participating in the Single Market Programme, grouped into three categories according to their population (5,000-50,000 inhabitants, 50,000-250,000 inhabitants and more than 250,000 inhabitants).
To be eligible for the title of European Capital of Small Businesses 2027, candidate cities must meet the following requirements:
Be a city in a Member State of the European Union or a country participating in the Single Market Programme.
Submit the application through the corresponding municipal administration.
Include a letter of support signed by the mayor or the highest authority of the city.
Submit the official application form.
Provide three high-quality photographs that reflect the city and its commercial environment.
Demonstrate best practices and results in the following areas:
Sustainability.
Support for entrepreneurship and community participation.
Digitalization of small businesses.
Urban attractiveness and vitality.
In addition, cities that have participated in previous editions may reapply, except for the winning cities of the immediately preceding edition, which are not eligible for the title in the following call.
The initiative is promoted by the European Parliament and implemented by the European Innovation and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) on behalf of the European Commission's Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW). The call for proposals falls within the framework of European policies supporting retail trade and is open to cities in countries participating in the Single Market Programme.
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