Tartu Film Fund Wins Prestigious European Enterprise Promotion Award

On November 19th, the best European promoters of entrepreneurship were recognized at the annual SME Assembly conference, “Shaping Europe’s Future,” organized by the European Commission in Budapest. The Tartu Film Fund won the grand prize in the category “Improving the Business Environment and Supporting the Internationalization of Businesses.” The award aims to highlight best practices and inspire other regions and organizations to create similar initiatives.

This prestigious competition begins with a national selection process, with the best candidates advancing to the European finals. The Tartu Film Fund triumphed among 442 candidates from 29 countries. In the same category, entrepreneurial support organizations from Finland and Ireland were also nominated. Tartu Film Fund was recognized for successfully implementing innovative measures and initiatives that have made the business environment in Estonia and Europe more attractive, particularly focusing on the support of small and medium-sized enterprises.

“This is an incredible and special experience! We are overjoyed!” shared Külli Hansen, Head of Tartu Centre for Creative Industries, expressing her initial impressions from the award gala. “This grand prize is a significant achievement for the Tartu Film Fund, demonstrating that our daily efforts to enhance the attractiveness of Southern Estonia and Tartu, as well as develop local services, are essential and valuable—not just on a local level. After receiving the award, representatives from several countries approached us, expressing interest in establishing similar funds in their regions. A film fund has an economic impact and serves as an investment in regional development. Tartu is setting an example for other European regions,” Hansen emphasized.

“This award is not just recognition for the work of the film fund team, but also for the entire Southern Estonian community and our partners, who have helped the Tartu Film Fund grow and succeed. Our goal is to create a film-friendly environment in Southern Estonia that fosters creativity, entrepreneurship, and collaboration, and this recognition proves we are on the right track. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported us on this journey!” added Signe Somelar-Erikson, Development Manager of the Tartu Film Fund.