Article 2

1.

This programme shall have the following objectives:

(a)

to enhance the growth and competitiveness of business in a knowledge-based internationalised economy;

(b)

to promote entrepreneurship;

(c)

to simplify and improve the administrative and regulatory framework for business so that research, innovation and business creation in particular can flourish;

(d)

to improve the financial environment for business, especially SMEs;

(e)

to give business easier access to Community support services, programmes and networks and to improve the coordination of these facilities.

2.

These objectives shall be implemented mainly via the areas of action described in Annex I.

3.

Furthermore, by its very nature, this programme shall be used as a means of progressing towards the objectives set by the European Charter for Small Enterprises.