Tag Archives: SMEs

EIB Triples Defence SME Financing to €3 Billion with First Deutsche Bank Partnership

(IN BRIEF) The EIB is tripling its intermediated lending for European defence-industry suppliers from €1 billion to €3 billion. It has signed an inaugural €500 million loan agreement with Deutsche Bank, which will provide €1 billion in credit lines to … Read the full press release

EBRD and ProCredit Bank Bulgaria Sign €14 Million InvestEU Deal to Expand Green Loans in Bulgaria and Greece

(IN BRIEF) The EBRD has signed a €14 million portfolio guarantee agreement with ProCredit Bank Bulgaria under the EU’s InvestEU programme, enabling the bank to offer more green loans to businesses in Bulgaria and Greece. This risk-sharing facility will support … Read the full press release

BIL Renews Sponsorship for Creative Young Entrepreneur Luxembourg to Support Emerging Talent

(IN BRIEF) Banque Internationale à Luxembourg (BIL) has renewed its sponsorship for Creative Young Entrepreneur Luxembourg (CYEL), a competition that celebrates the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit of young Luxembourgers. As the main sponsor since 2020, BIL remains committed to fostering … Read the full press release

EIF Partners with BluOr Bank to Offer €30 Million in Green Financing for Latvian SMEs

(IN BRIEF) The EIF and BluOr Bank have signed an agreement to provide up to €30 million in financing for Latvian SMEs working on green projects. Supported by the EU’s InvestEU programme, this initiative aims to help businesses improve energy … Read the full press release

EIF and EIFO Sign First Deal Under EU’s Ukraine Export Credit Facility to Boost EU-Ukraine Trade

(IN BRIEF) The EIF and EIFO have signed the first deal under the EU’s Ukraine export credit guarantee facility, which supports European businesses exporting to Ukraine. The facility, offering up to €20 million in guarantees, aims to enhance trade between … Read the full press release

KfW Report: Decline in Germany’s SMEs Engaged in International Trade as Geopolitical and Economic Challenges Mount

(IN BRIEF) Germany’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have significantly reduced their international business activities, with the number of businesses operating abroad falling from 880,000 in 2022 to around 763,000 in 2023. Despite this, businesses that continued to operate internationally … Read the full press release

Metriks AI Successfully Lists on Euronext Growth Milan, Raising €4.2 Million

(IN BRIEF) Metriks AI has successfully listed on Euronext Growth Milan, marking the 11th listing on the exchange for 2025. The AI-focused company raised €4.2 million in its placement phase and aims to expand its integrated digital solutions for SMEs … Read the full press release

ABN AMRO Survey Highlights Rising Cyber Threats and Gaps in Resilience Among Dutch Companies

(IN BRIEF) A recent cybersecurity survey by ABN AMRO reveals that Dutch companies, particularly SMEs, are increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks, with many underestimating the risks from state actors and new cyber threats. The survey highlights gaps in awareness and preparedness … Read the full press release

EIF and BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions Sign Landmark €200 Million InvestEU Guarantee to Support SMEs in Sustainability Transition

(IN BRIEF) The EIF and BNP Paribas Leasing Solutions have signed a landmark agreement to provide a €200 million portfolio guarantee, aimed at enhancing access to business asset leasing solutions for SMEs and small mid-caps across France, Germany, Italy, and … Read the full press release

KfW Report Highlights Use of Patents and Trademarks as Collateral in SMEs, With Potential for Growth in Germany

  (IN BRIEF) A moderate percentage of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany own patents or trademark rights, with 9% holding trademarks and 3% owning patents. Patents are more common in larger, R&D-focused, or internationally operating companies, while trademarks … Read the full press release

EIB Global and Family Bank Partner to Support Women and Youth Entrepreneurs in Kenya with €100 Million Financing

(IN BRIEF) EIB Global and Family Bank in Kenya have launched a €100 million financing initiative to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly those owned or led by women and youth entrepreneurs. The partnership, which includes a €50 million … Read the full press release

EIB Mobilizes €200 Million for French Farming and Bioeconomy, Focusing on Youth and Sustainability

(IN BRIEF) The EIB and BPCE banking group have signed an agreement to provide €200 million in loans for SMEs and mid-caps in the French farming and bioeconomy sectors. The initiative aims to support young farmers and promote sustainable agriculture, … Read the full press release

KfW Research: SMEs in Germany Spend EUR 61 Billion Annually on Legal Compliance and Administrative Costs

(IN BRIEF) A KfW Research survey has revealed that SMEs in Germany are spending an average of 32 hours per month to comply with legal requirements, costing the economy EUR 61 billion annually. The survey also highlighted expectations for wage … Read the full press release

KfW Survey: SMEs in Germany Spend 32 Hours per Month on Legal Compliance, Costing EUR 61 Billion Annually

(IN BRIEF) A recent KfW survey reveals that SMEs in Germany spend, on average, 32 hours per month complying with legal requirements, costing the economy EUR 61 billion annually. This significant time investment is particularly challenging for sole traders and … Read the full press release

DHL and Temu Strengthen Partnership to Boost SME Growth Across Europe and Beyond

(IN BRIEF) DHL Group has signed an MoU with e-commerce marketplace Temu to deepen their partnership and support local SMEs in both established markets and growth regions such as Eastern Europe and the Middle East. By harnessing DHL’s global logistics … Read the full press release

EIB Group Invests €90M to Unlock €185M for Sustainable Housing in Spain, Bolstering Green Finance and EU Market Integration

(IN BRIEF) The EIB Group, comprising the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF), has invested over €90 million in a synthetic securitisation operation with BBVA, aimed at financing sustainable housing projects in Spain. Backed by InvestEU, … Read the full press release

EIB Paves the Way for Croatia’s Fintech Future with Strategic Advisory Partnerships

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) is set to support Croatia’s efforts to strengthen its capital markets and foster innovation through a new advisory agreement with the Finance Ministry aimed at creating a “Fintech Hub.” This strategic initiative will … Read the full press release

Vodafone Empowers SMEs with 24/7 Cyber Protection at New Düsseldorf Center

(IN BRIEF) Vodafone has launched a new Cyber Security Center in Düsseldorf to provide 24/7 protection and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Germany, addressing the unique cybersecurity challenges they face. Initially starting with 20 experts, the center … Read the full press release

EIB Group Sets Record with €1.24 Billion in New Financing for Sustainable Infrastructure and Innovation in Croatia

(IN BRIEF) In 2024, the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group achieved a record €1.24 billion in new financing in Croatia, up from €464 million in 2023. This financing, accounting for 1.4% of Croatia’s GDP, includes €937 million from the EIB … Read the full press release

Bulgaria’s Postbank Secures €75 Million EIB Guarantee to Bolster Mid-Sized Business Lending

(IN BRIEF) Bulgaria-based Postbank, a subsidiary of Eurobank Group, has secured a €75 million guarantee from the European Investment Bank to facilitate up to €150 million in additional loans for mid-sized companies. This risk-sharing agreement offers preferential financing terms, such … Read the full press release