Organised by the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM), the award recognises outstanding young entrepreneurs whose businesses contribute to local development across the Mediterranean partner countries.

The prize highlights innovative enterprises led by young entrepreneurs and supported by their local or regional authorities, emphasising the important role that local institutions play in fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems and creating opportunities for young people across the region.

Applicants must run a registered enterprise that has been operating for at least three years and demonstrate tangible contributions to job creation, social progress and local development. Candidates must also show how local or regional authorities have supported the creation or growth of their business. The prize will be awarded to a young entrepreneur up to 36 years old.

Through this initiative, ARLEM seeks to showcase successful examples of youth entrepreneurship in the Mediterranean, inspire other young people to launch their own ventures, and strengthen cooperation between entrepreneurs and public authorities at the local level.

The award is organised by ARLEM with the support of the UfM

Why apply?

• Recognition: Showcase a successful example of youth entrepreneurship in the Mediterranean region and inspire other young people to follow suit.

• Visibility: Gain EU-wide attention for your projects and demonstrate the positive impact that local and regional authorities in Mediterranean partner countries can have on the entrepreneurial ecosystem, thus encouraging other local and regional authorities to actively promote, support and sustain youth entrepreneurship.

• Networking: Join the #ARLEM Award community and connect with key actors from #EU institutions and beyond.

Applications will close on 15 May 2026

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