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.