Impact Funding Resources
The European Capitals of Small Retail (ECoSR) is aimed at recognising cities that have demonstrated exceptional support for small retailers and vibrant city centres. Small retailers are vital to local economies, creating vibrant neighbourhoods, preserving cultural identity, and building economic resilience through their close links with local businesses and consumers.
Launched in response to the evolving challenges facing urban retail environments, the ECoSR initiative identifies, acknowledges, awards and promotes cities which excel in revitalising small retail and fostering a thriving local environment.
Launched in response to the evolving challenges facing urban retail environments, the ECoSR initiative identifies, acknowledges, awards and promotes cities which excel in revitalising small retail and fostering a thriving local environment.
End Date09 Oct 2025 Funding AmountN/A Funding Resource TypeAward
Funding ProviderEuropean Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA),European Capitals of Small Retail (ECoSR)
Award
European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA),European Capitals of Small Retail (ECoSR)
Launched in response to the evolving challenges facing urban retail environments, the ECoSR initiative identifies, acknowledges, awards and promotes cities which excel in revitalising small retail and fostering a thriving local environment.
Guide for Applicants
https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/document/download/3b84137e-e82b-43a3-add1-3510ffcf0b21_en?filename=Small%20Retail%20-%20Guide%20for%20Applicants%20A4%20EN_v8.pdf
FAQ
https://single-market-economy.ec.europa.eu/document/download/42950696-0836-4904-9ea4-62a9e4b8f392_en?filename=FAQ.pdf
• showcase exemplary support systems for small retailers
• highlight successful digital and green transitions in the retail sector
• foster knowledge exchange among local authorities
• raise awareness of retail's crucial societal and economic impact
All cities from EU countries and Single Market Programme countries (Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iceland, Kosovo, Liechtenstein, Moldova, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia, Türkiye and Ukraine) are eligible to apply.
For this competition, a ‘city’ is defined as an administrative unit governed by a city council or another democratically elected body.
Cities must meet the following population requirements
- Vanguard City (small-sized cities: 5 000 - 50 000 inhabitants)
- Vibrant City (medium-sized cities: 50 000 - 250 000 inhabitants)
- Visionary City (large-sized cities: 250 000 inhabitants or above)
To be considered for the European Capital of Small Retail title, cities must demonstrate excellence and exemplary measures implemented across 4 key criteria of a thriving small retail ecosystem.
1. Sustainability: Green initiatives, sustainable supply chains, and environmental policies that support small retailers.
2. Entrepreneurship Support and Community Engagement: Programmes that foster small business growth and community involvement.
3. Digitalisation: Digital infrastructure, training, and support that help small retailers embrace technology.
4. City Attractiveness and Vitality: Urban planning and initiatives that create vibrant retail environments.
In each criterion, each application will be assessed on strategic alignment, innovation, clarity of implementation, and measurable impact. For more detailed information about the evaluation criteria
