Applications are now open for the ARLEM Award – Young Local Entrepreneurship in the Mediterranean, which enters its eighth edition in 2026. 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, which also participates in the jury selecting the final winner. Applications for the 2026 edition are open until 15 May 2026.