Giants and SMEs under one roof – an alliance that could transform the Polish economy

The European Congress of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, which has been attracting thousands of entrepreneurs, experts, and representatives of international institutions to Katowice for fifteen years, has gained a new, unique ally this year. Pracodawcy RP (Employers of Poland), the oldest and largest organization associating companies in Poland, representing both domestic corporations and global investors, has joined the group of main honorary patrons.

The signing of the cooperation agreement took place during the inauguration of the 15th European Congress of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.

This cooperation is more than just patronage. It is a bridge connecting two worlds of the economy: large enterprises represented by Pracodawcy RP and entrepreneurs in the SME sector, whose voice has been represented for years by the Regional Chamber of Commerce in Katowice, the organizer of the Congress. According to European Commission data, one in five European SMEs currently cooperates as a supplier with large corporations. This shows that real leaps in development are only possible through synergy.

–Pracodawcy RP is the voice of a nationwide organization, while the Regional Chamber of Commerce in Katowice is the voice of businesses not only from the SME sector. Together, we create a system in which the strength of a giant meets the energy of a start-up. Such a partnership is unique on a European scale – and a ticket for Polish entrepreneurs to enter a higher level – says Joanna Makowiecka-Gatza, President of the Management Board of Pracodawcy RP.

Pracodawcy RP is an organization that has been shaping the labor market and economy in Poland for over 30 years. It brings together the largest companies from the energy, finance, health, industry, and new technology sectors. Their activities include, among others, creating legislative proposals, representing the interests of entrepreneurs in EU and national institutions, and initiating social programs. The organization is headed by Joanna Makowiecka-Gatza, an experienced manager with many years of practice in managing listed companies and capital groups in the industrial, infrastructure, and development sectors, widely regarded as a leader in social dialogue.

– For years, we have been building the Congress as a platform for communication between entrepreneurs and legislative bodies. The addition of Pracodawcy RP is like connecting a turbocharger—it suddenly opens up the possibility of real, not just declarative, cooperation between sectors,” emphasizes Tomasz Zjawiony, President of RIG in Katowice, Vice President of European Entrepreneurs CEA-PME.

This year's anniversary edition of the European SME Congress will take place on October 27-28, 2025, in Katowice.