Tag Archives: SMEs

KfW ifo Business Climate Index Sees Minor Improvement, Driven by Service Sector Optimism

(IN BRIEF) In January 2025, Germany’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) saw a slight improvement in business sentiment, with the KfW ifo Business Climate Index rising by 0.6 points to -21.4 balance points. Despite this increase, sentiment remains well below … Read the full press release

EIF Allocates €30 Million to Support Swedish SMEs in Green Transition through Impact Lending Fund

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Fund (EIF) has committed up to 320 million Swedish kronor (about €30 million) to Swedish Impact Lending 1, a pioneering green-financing initiative targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sweden. Managed by Svenska Hållbarhetsfonden Förvaltnings … Read the full press release

EIB Increases Support for Czech Republic with €2.47 Billion Investment in Key Infrastructure and SMEs

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) has significantly increased its financing in the Czech Republic, rising to €2.47 billion in 2024. This marks a 33% growth from 2023, with key investments in infrastructure, the railway and energy sectors, and … Read the full press release

TUM Launches Cybersecurity Program with Google.org Support to Train the Next Generation of Digital Defenders

(IN BRIEF) The Technical University of Munich (TUM) has launched a new Cybersecurity Program to train over 200 students in the essential field of cybersecurity. Supported by up to 1 million USD from Google.org, the program aims to help students … Read the full press release

EIF Invests €25 Million in IB Deuda Impacto España to Support Sustainable Development in Spain’s SMEs

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Fund (EIF) has committed €25 million to the IB Deuda Impacto España fund to support Spanish SMEs involved in high-impact sectors such as rural development, inclusive labor markets, climate, and sustainable agriculture. This investment, which … Read the full press release

Rabobank and EIB Extend Support for Sustainable SMEs with €300 Million Impact Loan

(IN BRIEF) Rabobank and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have announced the availability of €300 million through a new impact loan aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) focused on sustainable development. This new funding increases Rabobank’s ongoing commitment … Read the full press release

Wolters Kluwer Launches Genya for SMEs: A Cloud-Based Solution to Boost Efficiency in Italian Small Businesses

(IN BRIEF) Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting Italia has introduced Genya for SMEs, a cloud-based business management solution designed to improve the efficiency of small and medium-sized enterprises in Italy. The software integrates key business functions like accounting, invoicing, document … Read the full press release

EIB and Banco Desio Launch €400 Million Financing Initiative to Support Innovation in Italian Businesses

(IN BRIEF) In Milan, the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Banco Desio signed the first €60 million tranche of a €200 million credit line designed to boost €400 million in investment for Italian SMEs and mid-cap businesses. The initiative aims … Read the full press release

EIF Pledges €20 Million to New Private Credit Fund Supporting Baltic SMEs and Sustainable Growth

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Fund (EIF) has committed €20 million to the SG Capital Baltic Private Credit Fund, a new initiative managed by Latvia-based SG Capital Partners AIFP. The fund aims to raise €100 million to support small and … Read the full press release

EIF and Catalan Finance Institute Partner to Fund Sustainability Projects for SMEs in Catalonia

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Fund (EIF) and Catalan Finance Institute (ICF) have signed a €40 million guarantee agreement under the InvestEU programme to support sustainability projects by SMEs and mid-caps in Catalonia. The agreement will enable ICF to mobilize … Read the full press release

InvestEU-backed initiative offers businesses in Finland access to affordable financing for energy efficiency and clean technology

(IN BRIEF) Finnish companies will gain access to over €400 million in financing for green and digital transformations through a partnership between Nordea Bank and the European Investment Fund (EIF). Backed by the InvestEU programme, the agreement provides SMEs and … Read the full press release

NIB Partners with Ziklo Bank AB to Boost Financing for Swedish SMEs and SMCs

(IN BRIEF) The Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) has signed a SEK 750 million (approximately EUR 65.2 million) loan agreement with Ziklo Bank AB to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and small mid-caps (SMCs) in Sweden. The 7-year program will … Read the full press release

Credit Conditions Improve in CESEE as Banks Show Optimism Amid Economic Uncertainties

(IN BRIEF) The CESEE Bank Lending Survey by the European Investment Bank (EIB) reveals a recovery in credit demand and supply across Central Eastern and South-Eastern Europe, driven by increased consumer confidence and improved lending conditions, particularly for SMEs. Retail … Read the full press release

EIB Grants €400 Million to Boost SMEs, Sustainability, and Economic Growth in Czech Republic and Slovakia

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) has provided €400 million in loans to Komerční banka and SG Equipment Finance Czech Republic (SGEF) to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and Mid-Cap companies in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The … Read the full press release

EU and EIB Launch €160 Million Green Investment Initiative to Boost Serbian SMEs and Jobs

(IN BRIEF) The European Union, in partnership with EIB Global, Banca Intesa, and Intesa Leasing, has unveiled a €160 million financial package to support Serbian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies. This initiative will fund green projects, renewable … Read the full press release

Garanti BBVA and TÜRKONFED Empower SMEs with Twin Transformation Initiative

  (IN BRIEF) Garanti BBVA, in partnership with TÜRKONFED, has launched the New Horizons in Twin Transformation project to help SMEs in Türkiye adopt green and digital practices, enhancing their competitiveness and sustainability. The initiative includes workshops and panels across … Read the full press release

EIF and Banca Etica Unlock €200 Million for Ethical Investments in Italy and Spain

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Fund (EIF) and Banca Etica have signed a €164 million guarantee agreement, supported by InvestEU, to unlock over €200 million in investments across Italy and Spain. This initiative will provide more than 1,000 social enterprises, … Read the full press release

EIB Group Opens Malta Office to Strengthen Local Partnerships and Drive Sustainable Investments

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group has deepened its ties with Malta by opening a new office in Valletta, enhancing collaboration with local businesses, government, and stakeholders. Announced by EIB Group President Nadia Calviño alongside Finance Minister Clyde … Read the full press release

EIB Group and Santander Partner on €183 Million Green Financing Boost for Energy Efficiency in Portugal

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group), in partnership with Santander, has launched a €183 million initiative to boost energy efficiency investments in Portugal. The agreement includes €91.6 million in EIB Group support for Santander’s upper-mezzanine tranche, enabling … Read the full press release

EIB Group President Highlights Strengthened Partnership with Bulgaria to Drive Growth, Jobs, and Green Transition

(IN BRIEF) EIB Group President Nadia Calviño visited Bulgaria to discuss increased financing opportunities aimed at boosting economic growth, job creation, and the country’s green transition. In partnership with Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Lyudmila Petkova, the EIB Group plans to … Read the full press release