Small and medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs)
Economic policy targeting the business sector aims at providing the best possible framework for enterprises of all sizes and sectors and fostering the potential capacity of business activities which further improve Austria's competitiveness and economic growth.
Given the structure of Austria's economy, in which small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for more than 99 percent of all businesses (2024: 99,7 %), it is no surprise that SME policy is a cornerstone of economic policy.
Austria´s 579,500 SMEs are highly diverse, employ 2.5 million people and train six out of ten apprentices. With a gross value added of 168 billion euros, they account for 56 percent of market-oriented economic output. However, the weak economy is leaving its mark: real value added fell again in 2024, and the outlook for 2025 is also subdued.
For this reason, the Federal Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism strives to take measures geared to the specific sector and business size, while at the same time, keeping the common interests of all business enterprises in mind.
Additional Information
- European Enterprise Policy
- European Enterprise Promotion Awards
- Promoting Entrepreneurship - The "Map of Actions"
- Promoting Entrepreneurship - Youth Entrepreneurship Week
- Report on the situation of SMEs in Austria 2024
- Small and medium enterprises in Austria – facts and figures
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