Tag Archives: SMEs

Bosnian Furniture Maker Zanat Embarks on Digital Transformation Journey with EBRD Support

(IN BRIEF) Zanat, a renowned Bosnian furniture company known for its hand-carving techniques and UNESCO recognition, faced challenges with growing international demand, including delivery delays and product quality issues. To address these challenges and optimize their operations, the company sought … Read the full press release

European Investment Bank Anchors Portland Caribbean Fund III with $35 Million Investment

(IN BRIEF) The Portland Caribbean Fund III has achieved its first close, with the European Investment Bank (EIB) contributing $35 million as a cornerstone investor. This fund, targeting a total size of $350 million, aims to support promising small and … Read the full press release

Green Finance Facility Launches in North Macedonia to Promote Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Investments

(IN BRIEF) A new Green Finance Facility (GFF), valued at €30 million, has been introduced in North Macedonia to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and creditworthy underserved individuals and households with loans for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. … Read the full press release

EIB Group Champions European Start-Ups at 2023 Web Summit

(IN BRIEF) The EIB Group, represented by EIB Vice-President Ricardo Mourinho Félix and a team of finance and innovation experts, is set to spotlight its support for innovation and start-ups in Europe at the 2023 Web Summit in Lisbon from … Read the full press release

EBRD Commits $100 Million to İşbank for Earthquake Recovery and Women-Led SMEs in Türkiye

(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is extending $100 million in financing to Türkiye İş Bankası (İşbank), Türkiye’s largest private bank, to support earthquake recovery efforts in the south-eastern region of Türkiye and empower women-led small … Read the full press release

Allianz X Invests in NEXT Insurance to Advance Small Business Insurance Innovation

Allianz Trade Study Reveals Gap Between Perceived and Actual Inflation, with Germany Experiencing Significant Disparity

(IN BRIEF) Allianz X, the digital investments division of global insurer Allianz Group, has announced a strategic investment in NEXT Insurance, a leading technology-focused small business insurer in the United States. Allstate is also participating in this investment round, bringing … Read the full press release

Spanish SMEs Get Boost with EIB Group and ICO’s Sabadell ABS Investment

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, along with the European Investment Fund (EIF) and Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO), has invested in asset-backed securities (ABS) issued by Sabadell Consumer Finance to support the financial needs of small and … Read the full press release

EIF and Leading Romanian Banks Join Forces to Provide €1 Billion in Guarantees for SMEs in Romania

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Fund (EIF) has partnered with five leading Romanian banks to provide €1 billion in guarantees to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Romania. These guarantees, backed by the InvestEU Member State Compartment and the … Read the full press release

EIF and Millennium bcp Partner to Provide €405 Million in InvestEU Financing to Portuguese SMEs

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Fund (EIF) and Millennium bcp (BCP) have signed a €405 million InvestEU-backed guarantee agreement to support investment in Portugal. The financing will focus on key EU priorities, including sustainability, innovation, digitalization, social entrepreneurship, and more. … Read the full press release

EIB Signs €50 Million Agreement with VÚB to Boost Financing for Slovak SMEs and Regional Development

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) has inked a €50 million lending deal with Všeobecná úverová banka (VÚB), aimed at increasing access to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), mid-cap companies, and both public and private sector entities … Read the full press release

UK SMEs Report Modest Decline in Business Activity but Maintain Employment Growth in Q3 2023, NatWest SME PMI® Tracker

NatWest Survey: UK Regional Business Activity Slows in July 2023, Employment Holds Steady while Inflation Trends Vary

(IN BRIEF) The NatWest SME PMI® Tracker for Q3 2023 indicates a modest reduction in business activity among UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in September. Despite this decline, SMEs reported marginal employment gains, while large enterprises saw a renewed … Read the full press release

EBRD’s Support Transforms Mongolian Leather Brand Maris into a Sustainable Success Story

(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has supported the growth and sustainability of Mongolian leather producer Maris through its advisory services. Maris, founded by Enkhnasan Tumen-Ulzii, focuses on sustainable leather production and uses innovative vegetable tanning … Read the full press release

Intesa Sanpaolo’s ‘Italian Excellences 2023’ Highlights Italian Mid Corporates to International Investors in Paris

(IN BRIEF) The second edition of Intesa Sanpaolo’s “Italian Excellences 2023, Mid Corporate Conference” in Paris saw around 50 companies, primarily listed on the Euronext STAR Milan segment of Borsa Italiana, participating. The event, in collaboration with Borsa Italiana, attracted … Read the full press release

EIF and Malta Ministry Collaborate to Inject €16.55 Million into Maltese SMEs

(IN BRIEF) In a collaborative effort between the European Investment Fund (EIF) and Malta’s Ministry of European Funds and Lands, €16.55 million will be provided to support small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Malta through the ‘Malta Member State Compartment.’ … Read the full press release

European Investment Fund Backs Avanseo with €38 Million Portfolio Guarantee to Support Microenterprises in France

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Fund (EIF), supported by the InvestEU programme, has entered into a portfolio guarantee agreement with Avanseo to provide up to €38 million in new financing for microenterprises and individuals facing challenges in accessing credit markets. … Read the full press release

European Investment Fund and Fintech Firm Invoier Join Forces to Empower SMEs in Sweden

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Fund (EIF) and Swedish fintech firm Invoier have entered into a significant €58 million guarantee agreement to enhance funding accessibility for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other businesses through loans and invoice trading. Supported … Read the full press release

Sustainability at the Forefront: EIB and Crédit Agricole Italia Inject €400 Million into Business Expansion

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Crédit Agricole Italia have signed a €400 million agreement to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and agricultural companies. A significant portion of this funding, over 25%, will be directed towards environmental … Read the full press release

European Investment Bank Invests €7.5 Million in Polish Furniture Innovator Tylko’s R&D

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) has entered into a financing agreement with Tylko, a pioneering Polish furniture company revolutionizing the industry. With a €7.5 million investment from the EIB, Tylko aims to enhance its research and development (R&D) … Read the full press release

European Investment Bank Extends €70 Million Loan to Bolster Armenian SMEs and Mid-Caps

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing a loan of €70 million to the Central Bank of Armenia as part of the Armenian Economic Resilience Programme, backed by the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+). This funding … Read the full press release

EBRD Supports Albania’s Agribusiness and Tourism Sectors with €2 Million Loan to Union Bank

(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is extending a loan of up to €2 million to Union Bank to bolster financing in Albania’s agribusiness and tourism sectors, essential for the country’s economic growth. Union Bank becomes … Read the full press release