Category Archives: Small Business

Small Business Press Releases & News distributed via EuropaWire

Schneider Electric Launches Free Zeigo™ Activate Lite for Simplified Emissions Management

(IN BRIEF) Schneider Electric has introduced Zeigo Activate Lite, a free version of its emissions management platform, designed to help businesses—especially SMEs—track and reduce their carbon emissions. The software allows users to establish emissions baselines, set decarbonization goals, and calculate … Read the full press release

EBRD and AccessBank Partner to Boost SME Financing in Azerbaijan with €15 Million Risk-Sharing Facility

(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has relaunched its Risk-Sharing Facility (RSF) in partnership with AccessBank to boost financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Azerbaijan. Through this €15 million agreement, the EBRD will share … Read the full press release

EIB and LIFTT Unite in €100 Million Venture to Propel Italian Innovation and Sustainability

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) and venture capital firm LIFTT have announced a €100 million partnership to support innovation in Italy. Together, they will create LIFTT EuroInvest, a joint stock company aimed at making 20 to 30 equity … Read the full press release

EBRD-Backed Sanum per Fructus Modernizes Serbian Beekeeping with Digital Innovation for Sustainable Honey Production

(IN BRIEF) Sanum per Fructus, a honey producer in Kragujevac, Serbia, is modernizing its operations by integrating digital technology while maintaining traditional beekeeping practices. Supported by the EBRD’s Youth in Business Programme, the company connects with local beekeepers through a … Read the full press release

EIB Approves €10.8 Billion in New Investments for Green Energy, Business Innovation, and Infrastructure Development

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) has approved €10.8 billion in new financing to support a diverse range of projects focused on green energy, business innovation, health, housing, education, and infrastructure development. This includes significant investments in clean energy … Read the full press release

EBRD and IFC Invest in Bank of Palestine to Strengthen Palestinian Economy Amid Crisis

(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have acquired equity stakes in Bank of Palestine to support its capital base amid the challenging economic conditions in the region. The investment will … Read the full press release

DBAG Invests in UNITY AG to Enhance Digital Transformation and Consulting Services

(IN BRIEF) Deutsche Beteiligungs AG (DBAG) is acquiring a controlling interest in UNITY AG, a leading consultancy in technology and digital transformation, aiming to leverage UNITY AG’s strong market position and growth potential. The deal, pending regulatory approval, is expected … Read the full press release

EBRD and GCF Partner with Crédit Agricole Egypt to Boost Small Businesses and Green Investments with $20 Million Loan

(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) are providing a $20 million loan to Crédit Agricole Egypt to support small businesses and green investments. This loan includes $3 million of concessional … Read the full press release

Nearly 100 Armenian Businesses to Benefit from EIB and Evocabank Partnership, Sustaining Around 1,200 Jobs

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank’s (EIB) global arm, EIB Global, has partnered with Evocabank to improve financial access for micro-, small-, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Armenia. EIB Global is providing a €12 million loan to Evocabank, which will … Read the full press release

EIB and Greece’s Systemic Banks Launch €700 Million Guarantee Programme for Mid-Caps

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Greece’s four systemic banks—Alpha Bank, National Bank of Greece, Eurobank, and Piraeus—have introduced a €700 million guarantee programme to support mid-cap businesses. This initiative aims to facilitate €1.4 billion in new financing … Read the full press release

EIB Report Highlights Barriers to Financing for European Scale-Ups and Calls for Capital Markets Union

(IN BRIEF) A new EIB report identifies significant financing barriers for European scale-ups and calls for the development of a comprehensive European capital markets union. Despite support from the EIB Group, scale-ups face challenges in raising capital, leading to slower … Read the full press release

Kembara Fund I FCR Secures €350 Million EIF Commitment to Drive Deep Tech and Climate Innovation

(IN BRIEF) Kembara Fund I FCR, a €1 billion deep tech and climate-focused fund managed by Spain-based Alma Mundi Ventures, has secured a €350 million commitment from the European Investment Fund (EIF). As the first Spanish fund to be selected … Read the full press release

EIF and kompasbank Unlock €175 Million to Boost Danish SMEs and Green Initiatives

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Fund (EIF) and Danish corporate bank kompasbank a/s have partnered to provide at least €175 million in new loans to Danish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Supported by the InvestEU programme, the three portfolio guarantee … Read the full press release

MWB AG Rings in New Era with Vienna Stock Exchange Listing

(IN BRIEF) MWB AG, a German company specializing in luxury watch trading across the DACH region, celebrated a significant achievement today as it commenced trading on the Vienna Stock Exchange’s direct market plus segment. With NuWays AG acting as underwriter … Read the full press release

EIB Commits $350 Million to Boost Private Sector Growth in North Africa

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) has pledged support for a new $350 million regional private sector investment fund managed by SPE Capital, focusing on Egypt, Tunisia, and Morocco. Aimed at fostering growth in key sectors like healthcare and … Read the full press release

EIB and Banca Etica Partner to Drive €165 Million Investments in Italy’s Social Economy

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Banca Etica have signed a €60 million agreement to stimulate €165 million in investments across Italy. The initiative aims to support women-led SMEs, improve services for refugees, and boost economic development in … Read the full press release

EBRD Report: CESEE Non-Performing Loans Stable Amid Economic Uncertainty

(IN BRIEF) The latest NPL Monitor report by the EBRD reveals that non-performing loans (NPLs) in the CESEE region remained stable despite economic uncertainties. While NPL volumes increased marginally, the overall NPL ratio held steady at 2.1%, indicating resilience in … Read the full press release

Banca Transilvania Partners with EIB Group for Landmark RON 2 Billion Securitisation to Boost SME Financing and Sustainability

(IN BRIEF) Banca Transilvania has entered into a significant synthetic securitisation transaction worth RON 2 billion (€400 million), supported by the European Investment Fund (EIF) and the European Investment Bank (EIB). This transaction will reduce credit risk and release capital … Read the full press release

Faktoro Secures €55 Million EIF Guarantee to Boost Lithuanian SMEs and Social Enterprises

(IN BRIEF) Faktoro, a leading non-bank business financier in Lithuania, has entered into a guarantee agreement with the European Investment Fund (EIF) to provide up to €55 million in new financing for more than 800 Lithuanian companies. The funding, supported … Read the full press release

EIB Group’s Financing Boosts SME Growth and Start-up Success in Europe

(IN BRIEF) A new study from the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group has found that its financial support significantly boosts growth and productivity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-cap companies across Europe. Companies receiving EIB loans reported a … Read the full press release

EIF Grants €1 Million Loan to Boost Lending for Romanian Small Businesses Through Instant Factoring

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Fund (EIF) has provided a RON 5 million (€1 million) subordinated loan to Romanian fintech Instant Factoring IFN, marking the first InvestEU funding for a Romanian fintech and factoring company. This loan will help Instant … Read the full press release

EIB Group and Spain Launch €3.4 Billion Regional Resilience Fund for Strategic Investments

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) and Spain’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Enterprise have launched the Regional Resilience Fund, aimed at channeling Next Generation EU loans into key projects within the Spanish Autonomous Communities. This initiative … Read the full press release

EIF and MDB Collaboration to Foster Economic Development and Job Creation in Malta

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Fund (EIF), in collaboration with the Malta Development Bank (MDB), is set to provide guarantees totaling €20 million to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small mid-caps in Malta. These guarantees, backed by InvestEU, … Read the full press release

DNB Enhances SME Support with EIF Partnership, Unlocks NOK 2.5 Billion in Funding

(IN BRIEF) Norway’s largest lender, DNB Bank ASA, has partnered with the European Investment Fund (EIF) to bolster support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through a groundbreaking collaboration. Backed by an EIF guarantee under the InvestEU program, DNB will … Read the full press release

InvestEU Program Bolsters SME Support: EIF and Innovation Norway Ink Landmark Deals

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Fund (EIF) and Innovation Norway have sealed two groundbreaking agreements aimed at bolstering financing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Norway. This strategic collaboration will empower Innovation Norway to expand its lending volume, … Read the full press release

EIF Leads €100 Million Pledge to RIVE Infrastructure Impact Fund in Green Transition Push

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Fund (EIF) has pledged €100 million to the RIVE Infrastructure Impact Fund (RIIF), marking a significant commitment to the energy transition in Europe. Managed by RIVE Private Investment, RIIF focuses exclusively on supporting SMEs across … Read the full press release

Breaking Ground: InvestEU Programme Launches in Iceland with Byggðastofnun Guarantee Pact

(IN BRIEF) In a significant move to bolster Icelandic small entrepreneurship beyond the capital region, the European Investment Fund (EIF) has inked a guarantee agreement with the Icelandic regional development agency, Byggðastofnun, under the European Commission’s InvestEU initiative. This agreement … Read the full press release

European Investment Bank and Deutsche Kreditbank Strengthen 25-Year Collaboration with Renewables Initiative

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Deutsche Kreditbank (DKB) recently celebrated their 25-year partnership by signing a new agreement at DKB’s Berlin headquarters, aimed at supporting renewable energy projects for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Germany. Under … Read the full press release

EBRD and EU Launch €12.5 Million Programme to Boost Lebanese SMEs

(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU) have launched a €12.5 million programme aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Lebanon to enhance resource efficiency and circularity measures. Over a … Read the full press release

Strategic Alliance: EIB and Banco Sabadell Drive Economic Cohesion in Spain

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Banco Sabadell have joined forces in a significant deal, signing a guarantee agreement worth up to €200 million, which is the first phase of a broader operation of €300 million. Over the … Read the full press release

NatWest Group Champions Startup Growth with Expanded Accelerator Initiative

(IN BRIEF) NatWest plans to accept up to 2,500 entrepreneurs into its accelerator program in September, urging business owners seeking growth opportunities to apply. As the largest bank for startups in Great Britain, NatWest Group serves around one in five … Read the full press release

EBRD Empowers Local Businesses with Risk Sharing Framework, Boosting Growth in Armenia, Mongolia, and Uzbekistan

(IN BRIEF) At the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s (EBRD) 33rd Annual Meeting and Business Forum in Yerevan, the Bank unveiled its latest initiative under the Risk Sharing Framework (RSF) to bolster domestic businesses in Armenia, Mongolia, and Uzbekistan. … Read the full press release

EIB Invests €25 Million in Amethis Fund III to Boost African Medium-Sized Enterprises

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) has committed €25 million to Amethis Fund III, signaling a strategic move to bolster medium-sized companies across Africa. Amethis Fund III targets sectors crucial for the continent’s growth, including healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, … Read the full press release

EIF Commits EUR 30m to 123 Transition Energétique 2 Fund for Renewable Energy SMEs

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Fund (EIF), under the InvestEU program, pledges EUR 30 million as a cornerstone investor to the 123 Transition Energétique 2 fund, managed by 123 Investment Managers and advised by Lendosphere. This fund aims to address … Read the full press release

EIB President Calviño Engages in Strategic Talks during Portugal Visit

(IN BRIEF) Nadia Calviño, President of the European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group), embarked on a diplomatic mission in Portugal, engaging in crucial discussions aimed at bolstering strategic investments and partnerships in the country. Meeting with key figures including Minister … Read the full press release

EIB Partners with Castilla y León Government to Boost SMEs with €25 Million Loan

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) has inked a €25 million loan agreement with the regional government of Castilla y León through the Institute for Business Competitiveness of Castilla y León (ICECyL), aiming to support small and medium-sized enterprises … Read the full press release

Experian and TRIVER Partner to Streamline SME Lending Process

(IN BRIEF) Experian and alternative lender TRIVER have collaborated to expedite the SME lending process, offering rapid access to short-term capital for businesses. TRIVER, aiming to revolutionize SME lending, utilizes Experian’s suite of data solutions to enable an end-to-end automated … Read the full press release

EBRD and EFSE Team Up to Boost MSME Financing in Azerbaijan

(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) have joined forces to provide a financing package of up to US$ 10 million (€ 9.24 million) to AccessBank in Azerbaijan. This … Read the full press release

EIF and Greek Government Launch €200 Million Equity Fund to Boost Innovation in Life Sciences and Sustainability Sectors

(IN BRIEF) Greek startups and SMEs in life sciences, healthcare, and sustainability sectors are set to receive a significant boost with the launch of a €200 million equity agreement managed by the EIF arm of the EIB Group. The agreement, … Read the full press release

EIB and MicroBank’s €200 Million Boost to Spanish Entrepreneurs

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) and MicroBank have partnered to provide a €200 million loan, aimed at empowering small businesses and self-employed individuals in Spain. With MicroBank contributing an additional €100 million, this initiative seeks to address the … Read the full press release