Category Archives: Small Business

Small Business Press Releases & News distributed via EuropaWire

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

EIF’s €200 Million Equity Mandate Boosts Greek Innovation and Sustainability

(IN BRIEF) The Hellenic Republic has entrusted the European Investment Fund (EIF) to manage €200 million from European structural funds and national resources to provide equity financing for Greek startups and SMEs in the life sciences, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. … Read the full press release

Olea and Standard Chartered Sign MOU to Enhance Support for SMEs

(IN BRIEF) Olea Global Pte Ltd, a leader in digital infrastructure platforms, has signed a memorandum of understanding with Standard Chartered to bolster small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This strategic partnership aims to develop integrated supply chain solutions and other … Read the full press release

EIB Report Highlights Financial Sector’s Role in CESEE’s Green Transition

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) has released a report by the Vienna Initiative working group, titled “Greening the financial sector: A Central, Eastern and South-Eastern European perspective.” The report underscores the pivotal role of the financial sector in … Read the full press release

EIB Global Signs €10 Million Loan Agreement with Bank Respublika to Boost Small Business Finance in Azerbaijan

(IN BRIEF) EIB Global, the financing arm of the European Investment Bank (EIB) outside the EU, has inked a €10 million loan deal with Bank Respublika to bolster support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Azerbaijan. Part of … Read the full press release

EBRD Boosts Small Business and Youth Entrepreneurship in Uzbekistan with $20 Million Financial Package

(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is bolstering micro, small, and medium-sized businesses in Uzbekistan by providing a financial package of up to US$ 20 million to Ipak Yuli Bank. This includes a US$ 10 million … Read the full press release

Adyen and Tide Partner to Launch Business Accounts in Germany, Marking Tide’s European Expansion

(IN BRIEF) Adyen, a global financial technology platform, has teamed up with Tide, the UK’s top business financial platform, to introduce Tide business accounts in Germany, marking Tide’s entry into the European market. This collaboration signifies Adyen’s debut of its … Read the full press release

EBRD Launches €25 Million Digital Transformation Loan Initiative for Türk Ekonomi Bankası

(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has initiated a groundbreaking Digital Transformation Financing Facility (DTFF) with a €25 million loan to Türk Ekonomi Bankası (TEB) in Türkiye, marking its inaugural transaction. Aimed at boosting the digital … Read the full press release

NatWest Group and FSB Forge New Payments Partnership

(IN BRIEF) NatWest Group and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) have joined forces to introduce a new payments partnership aimed at bolstering support for small businesses across the UK. This collaboration, building on their longstanding relationship and previous initiatives … Read the full press release

European Investment Fund Commits €4.5 Billion to Bolster Greek SMEs and Green Economy

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Fund (EIF) has inked guarantee agreements with Greece’s top four banks, including Alpha Bank, Eurobank, National Bank of Greece, and Piraeus Bank, aiming to unlock up to €4.5 billion in financing for Greek small and … Read the full press release

NIB and Aktia Bank Partner to Boost SMEs and Environmental Projects in Finland with EUR 75 Million Loan

(IN BRIEF) Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) and Aktia Bank Plc have joined forces in a seven-year EUR 75 million loan agreement aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), smaller mid-caps (SMCs), and environmental projects in Finland. With a commitment … Read the full press release

European Investment Fund Boosts Berlin SME Financing with €24.5 Million Guarantee

(IN BRIEF) Investitionsbank Berlin (IBB) is expanding its support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Berlin through a €24.5 million counter-guarantee provided by the European Investment Fund (EIF). This backing, facilitated by the InvestEU programme, allows IBB to enhance … Read the full press release

Mutares Expands Portfolio with Acquisition of Greenview Group Holdings Ltd

(IN BRIEF) Mutares SE & Co. KGaA has successfully acquired Greenview Group Holdings Ltd from Cordovan Capital Partners II LP and Michael Burke, the current CEO, marking its fourth acquisition in 2024. Greenview Group, established in 2017, specializes in mechanical … Read the full press release

NatWest SME PMI® Tracker Shows UK SMEs Optimistic Amidst Recovery and Sustainable Investment Plans

(IN BRIEF) The latest NatWest SME PMI® Tracker reveals a robust expansion in business activity among UK SMEs during the first quarter of the year, with a Business Activity Index of 52.6 in March, indicating growth. This growth is largely … Read the full press release

European Investment Bank Signs €215 Million Loan Agreement with Andalusia for Regional Development Projects

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) has finalized a €215 million loan agreement with the regional government of Andalusia to co-finance social, green, and digital investment initiatives in the Spanish region. This funding, part of the EU operational programme … Read the full press release

EU Initiative Boosts Resilience for Western Balkans SMEs

(IN BRIEF) The European Union’s Western Balkans Enterprise Development and Innovation Facility (WB EDIF) launches the Guarantee for SME Resilience Initiative, injecting €60 million to enhance access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region. Through partnerships … Read the full press release

EIF Commits €40 Million to Boost Sustainable Agriculture in Europe

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Fund (EIF) is allocating €40 million to support the European Agri Transition Fund, aimed at fostering a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable food system in Europe. Managed by INOKS Capital, the fund targets SMEs and … Read the full press release

EIB and EIF Partner with Erste Bank to Propel SME Lending in Austria through Synthetic Securitisation

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) have collaborated with Erste Bank der oesterreichischen Sparkassen AG (Erste Bank) to facilitate SME lending in Austria through a pioneering synthetic securitisation transaction. This landmark transaction, the … Read the full press release

EIB Group’s €49 Million Guarantee Empowers Erste Bank to Boost SME Lending in Austria

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) have joined forces to provide Erste Bank der oesterreichischen Sparkassen AG (Erste Bank) with a €49 million guarantee for a synthetic securitisation transaction, marking Austria’s first such … Read the full press release

EIB and Maib Forge €94 Million Deal to Boost Green Investments and MSMEs in Moldova

(IN BRIEF) At the EU-Moldova Private Sector Investment Conference in Chișinău, the European Investment Bank (EIB Global) sealed two agreements with Moldova’s leading bank, maib. The first involves a €50 million loan aimed at enhancing access to finance and promoting … Read the full press release

EBRD Backs Ukrgasbank with €12.5 Million Facility to Boost Ukrainian Private Sector Amidst War

(IN BRIEF) Amidst ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a €12.5 million unfunded portfolio risk-sharing facility to Ukrgasbank, aimed at unlocking €50 million of fresh financing for the country’s private sector. Signed … Read the full press release

EBRD Extends €50 Million Facility to Oschadbank, Boosting Ukraine’s Private Sector Amidst War

(IN BRIEF) In a bid to bolster Ukraine’s private sector amidst the ongoing conflict, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is extending a €50 million unfunded portfolio risk-sharing facility to Oschadbank. This initiative aims to unlock €200 million … Read the full press release

ICO and EIF Boost Aquisgrán Fund by €110 Million to Support Spanish SMEs

(IN BRIEF) Spain’s Aquisgrán fund, launched in 2021 by SGR-Cesgar and supported by the Ministry of Industry through CERSA, receives a significant investment boost of €110 million from Instituto de Crédito Oficial (ICO) and the European Investment Fund (EIF). With … Read the full press release