Unlocking SME Energy Potential

The event will bring together European stakeholders to explore how scalable One-Stop-Shop (OSS) solutions can accelerate the energy transition of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the continent.

During the conference, we will hear from countries and regions that have already developed OSS models to support SMEs, learn from their practical experiences, and discuss how similar systems can be adapted, piloted and scaled in different national contexts.

Anyone interested in supporting the energy transformation of SMEs is welcome to register — including representatives of public institutions, regional development agencies, SME support organisations, energy professionals, and innovation actors.

Provisional programme

09:30 – 09:40

Welcome and Introduction

Overview of the SME energy transition landscape in Europe
Tea O. Potočnik, LEASP – Project leader of the SMEnergy project

09:40 – 10:00

Why One-Stop-Shops Matter

The role of OSS networks in accelerating SME decarbonisation – Driving SME Energy Transition through Innovation Networks and One-Stop-Shop Services

Ms. Diana Bosfy (Senior Project Officer, FEDARENE) – specialist in regional energy cooperation, multi-level governance, and EU-funded initiatives supporting the energy transition of local and regional authorities

10:00 – 10:20

Establishing Regional One-Stop-Shops for SMEs in Practice

Overcoming funding barriers, engaging businesses, and scaling support networks for the energy transition

Mr. John Flynn (Programme Manager, Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland – SEAI) – specialist in SME energy transition programmes, regional energy planning, and the implementation of sustainable energy solutions across local communities

10:20 – 10:40

Operating a Mature OSS System: The Upper Austria Experience

Behind the Success: Lessons on Building SME-Centred Energy Support

Ms. Christiane Egger (Deputy Manager, OÖ Energiesparverband – Upper Austria Energy Agency) – specialist in energy efficiency programmes, international cooperation, and the operation of Cleantech-Cluster networks supporting SMEs through well-established OSS structures and innovation-driven energy services

10:40 – 11:00

One-Stop-Shop Implementation in Slovenia

Scaling SME support through decentralised advisory services and national coordination

Rajko Leban (external expert for Borzen RES Contact Point (Slovenia) – national coordinator of Slovenia’s renewable energy contact point network, with expertise in regulatory integration and funding support.

Challenges of a Slovenian contact point – how to boost SME support on the advisory side?

Mr. Milan Klemenc (director, Local Energy Agency Spodnje Podravje – LEA Ptuj) – specialist in regional energy consultancy, SME support mechanisms, and OSS service delivery at the local level /

11:00 – 11:50

Roundtable Discussion

Interactive session with panellists from different countries exploring challenges and opportunities

Moderator:

Ms. Borbála Tóth (Senior Research Associate, REKK – Regional Centre for Energy Policy Research) – specialist in energy policy, sustainable energy systems, and the governance of energy transition initiatives

Guests:

Ms. Anikó Pálffy (Expert, MEHI – Hungarian Energy Efficiency Institute) – specialist in energy efficiency policy, SME support mechanisms, and OSS development in emerging markets

Dilyana Gerdzhikova (Project Manager, Plovdiv Chamber of Commerce and Industry) – Establishing partnerships and activation of renovation business actors within the cooperation model of a regional “one-stop-shop” for residential buildings energy renovation, building and managing a “trusted supplier network”: challenges and good practices in the Bulgarian context.

11:50 – 12:00

Summary and Closing Remarks

Brief recap of key insights from keynote sessions and the roundtable and reflection on major takeaways for setting up and scaling SME-focused OSS networks.