Tadeusz Donocik, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Katowice

The fact, that this year will see the fourth edition of the European Congress for Small and Medium-Size Enterprises, proves that the event organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Katowice fills an existing niche. Small and medium entrepreneurs should be noticed and appreciated. The Congress is where they are given a chance to speak for themselves, and the eyes of the whole Europe turn to them.

Since the Congress' inception we strive to discuss the current problems of entrepreneurs. The previous editions have gathered a large group of experts who shared their knowledge and experience. We worked out solutions and formulae for small and medium enterprises, but much remains to be done.

We would like to invite everyone to join us in Katowice for this special event!

Piotr Uszok, President of Katowice

On September 22-25, 2014, the City of Katowice will once again become the arena for the debate on the biggest economic challenges for Poland and Europe. Thanks to the organisers of the European Congress of SME's, entrepreneurs, politicians, self-government officials and representatives of the world of culture will visit the capital of the region to talk about the most important problems that SME face. SME constitute not only the most numerous group among companies in Poland, but also the employers of more than 60% of Polish employees. It is worth bearing in mind that those enterprises generate almost half of Poland's GDP and their activity has markedly helped to maintain the stability of Polish economy. That is why credit needs to be given to the organisers of the Congress, who took on the difficult task of organising a debate which results are directed at actions that assist entrepreneurs. In the current tense geo-political climate, a discussion that deals with problems and ways of supporting the SME sector only gains in significance. Therefore, while encouraging everyone to take part in the Congress, I would also like to wish for all of the Congress' participants to have a fruitful debate and to establish many new relationships with potential trade partners.

Jerzy Buzek, Member of the European Parliament

The economic strength of Europe is build upon small and medium enterprises. Nearly 70% of employees find themselves working for supposedly minor businesses. In the EU's multiannual financial framework for 2014-20, 2,3 billion Euros will be allocated to supporting those companies. It is important, because while small and medium enterprises have coped fairly well with the crisis, they now have to face economic stagnation.

The post-crisis challenges that stand before European and Polish (including Silesian) companies will be discussed during the fourth edition of the European Congress of Small and Medium-Size Enterprises in Katowice.

Janusz Piechociński, Vice Prime Minister, Minister of Economy

It was a pleasure to assume honorary patronage of the IV European Congress of Small and Medium-Size Enterprises organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Katowice. Small and medium companies play a special role in the economy, building GDP growth and providing employment.

Creating favourable conditions for the development of micro, small and medium-size enterprises is essential to building the competitive future of Europe and ensuring strong and long-term sustainable economic growth. I am glad that together, we can support entrepreneurs effectively, improving their chances of competing on both home and foreign market.

Bożena Lublińska-Kasprzak, Chairman of Polish Agency for Enterprise Development

The increasingly significant role of the European Congress of Small and Medium-Size Enterprises which is co-organised by the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP), shows how strong the SME sector and small business environment institutions are in Poland.

I believe that the Congress will serve not only as an opportunity to establish business cooperation, but also as an encouragement to take actions supporting the development of enterprises. Actions, that correspond with entrepreneurs' needs and help achieve the ultimate goal – a better competitive position for our regions and country.

Andrzej Arendarski, President of the Polish Chamber of Commerce

The strength of world economies is determined not only by big corporations, but also by small and medium enterprises, which generate most of the GDP, provide more than 90% of new jobs and are fundamental to the stable growth of the middle class. 1989 was a turning point for the SME activity in Poland. After over 20 years of operating in a free market environment, we can observe how significant of a role do the SME play in the forming of a new economic order.

The European Congress of Small and Medium-Size Enterprises in Katowice is a perfect occasion to reflect on those matters.