What is behind SMEs?
The term SMES stands for small and medium-sized enterprises. This delimitation was 2005 from the EU in the Recommendation 2003/361 defined. The criteria for this classification are precisely defined and are based on number of employees as well as the turnover of a company.
Not only in Germany, but in the EU in general, SMEs are extremely important for the economy because overall around 100 million people are employed in small or medium-sized companies are. They also provide the innovation and Diversity of the corporate landscape safe. They also secure workplaces and take care of apprenticeships for the training of specialists. It is therefore worthwhile for the EU to promote them. In germany Was there 2022 For example 3.1 million small and medium-sized enterprises, which employed 55 percent of the working people. However, they only accounted for 26 percent of sales.
In order to be able to meet market challenges with fewer employees and fewer financial resources, they should Access to funding and support programs received. In 2008, the European Commission For example, the Small Business Actto facilitate business and start-ups.
What sets SMEs apart?
Microenterprises employ less than 10 people and generate an annual turnover of up to 2 million euros.
Small businesses have up to 50 employees and achieve a annual turnover From under 10 million euros.
Medium-sized companies fall below the number of 250 employees and the turnover limit of 50 million euros. Die balance sheet total The maximum allowed here is 43 million euros amount to.
In the case of micro or small enterprises, the balance sheet total is in line with the turnover limit, but only one of them must be within the prescribed range. The number of employees relates to full time workers. Part-time employees with 20 hours per week must then be converted to full-time employment with a factor of 0.5, for example.
The annual turnover is the result of the selling price and the sales volume of all products or services. Die Annual balance sheet total Is derived from the Active and passive sides of balance sheet. The former contains fixed and current assets, the latter contains equity and debt capital.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of SMEs?
Small and medium-sized enterprises have About few personnel and few financial resources, which can cause difficulties. However, an advantage of the size is also the flat hierarchies, through which of contact to customers and the communications within the company very personal are. At the same time, the disadvantage is that they are often outside their location unknown Are and not a big Market Influence have.
