Category Archives: Small Business

Small Business Press Releases & News distributed via EuropaWire

EBRD Partners with NLB Komercijalna Banka to Boost Financing for Serbian SMEs

(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has initiated a collaboration with NLB Komercijalna Banka (NLBKBB) in Serbia, providing a €15 million loan to support local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). NLBKBB will utilize the loan to … Read the full press release

Adyen’s Innovation and Vision Highlighted in Forrester’s Merchant Payment Providers Assessment

(IN BRIEF) Adyen, a leading global financial technology platform, has been recognized in The Forrester Wave™ Merchant Payment Providers, Q1 2024 report. Adyen received the highest score in six categories, including vision and innovation. Praised for its seamless payment solutions … Read the full press release

Driving Green Growth: HeavyFinance Secures €50 Million to Drive Sustainable Agriculture in Europe

(IN BRIEF) HeavyFinance announces a €50 million fundraising for a private credit fund aimed at supporting European agricultural SMEs with tailored finance solutions to advance decarbonization efforts. With the EIF committing €20 million as a cornerstone investor and support from … Read the full press release

EIF and 123 IM Partner to Boost Sustainable Financing for French SMEs

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Fund (EIF), supported by the InvestEU programme, has entered a portfolio guarantee agreement of €10.5 million with 123 Investment Managers (123 IM) to facilitate up to €15 million in new financing for small businesses and … Read the full press release

Finnvera Introduces Bill of Exchange Financing for Finnish Export Transactions

(IN BRIEF) Finnvera, in collaboration with its subsidiary Finnish Export Credit Ltd, launches bill of exchange financing for Finnish exporters engaged in long-term export transactions, particularly benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This financing solution complements the Export Credit introduced … Read the full press release

EIF and France Active Forge €400 Million Alliance to Empower Social Enterprises

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Fund (EIF) has committed €400 million to bolster France Active’s endeavors in financing socially responsible French enterprises. This collaboration involves a €45 million guarantee from EIF and a €355 million counter-guarantee for bank loans facilitated … Read the full press release

EBRD Secures €8 Million Loan to Empower Women-Led Businesses in Georgia

(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), with support from the European Union (EU) and Sweden, is extending an €8 million loan to ProCredit Bank in Georgia to boost lending to women-led micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises … Read the full press release

EIB and Banca Ifis Partner to Bolster Innovation in Italy’s SMEs with €300 Million Financing

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Banca Ifis have inked a significant agreement, marking the EIB’s maiden loan operation with an Italian bank exclusively aimed at driving innovative transitions for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The deal, valued … Read the full press release

EBRD and EU-Funded Program Propel Alaska Hotel’s Sustainability Drive in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia, with Solar Investment

(IN BRIEF) Nestled in Tsaghkadzor, Armenia’s popular health resort, the Alaska Hotel is attracting visitors with its renowned Armenian hospitality and a commitment to sustainability. With support from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union … Read the full press release

European Investment Bank and Housing Finance Bank Collaborate to Boost Women Entrepreneurship in Uganda

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Uganda’s Housing Finance Bank (HFB) have joined forces to provide a €50 million investment aimed at supporting private sector entities, particularly SMEs, in Uganda. With a special focus on gender inclusion, at … Read the full press release

NIB Partners with Nooa Savings Bank to Provide EUR 10 Million Loan for Finnish SMEs

(IN BRIEF) NIB and Nooa Savings Bank Ltd have entered into a EUR 10 million loan agreement aimed at financing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Finland. The seven-year maturity loan will support Nooa Savings Bank’s strategic objectives of growing … Read the full press release

Euronext Expands ELITE Program, Welcoming Six Portuguese Companies for Sustainable Growth

(IN BRIEF) Euronext, Europe’s leading market infrastructure, has expanded its ELITE ecosystem into Portugal, ushering in six diverse companies into the program. These companies, spanning sectors such as healthcare, technology, food, and manufacturing, collectively generate over 200 million Euros in … Read the full press release

EIB and CERUDEB Launch €100 Million Initiative to Empower Women Entrepreneurs and Rural Enterprises in Uganda

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Centenary Rural Development Bank Ltd (CERUDEB) have unveiled a landmark €100 million investment aimed at bolstering private sector enterprises in Uganda, particularly focusing on women borrowers and rural microenterprises. With 50% of … Read the full press release

Prosus Ventures Backs Kismet with $8.2M Seed Investment for Healthcare Innovation

(IN BRIEF) Kismet, a healthcare startup, has secured $8.2 million in seed funding led by Prosus Ventures and Airtree Ventures, bringing its total financing to $10.8 million since its founding in February 2023. The funding will accelerate Kismet’s mission to … Read the full press release

Swisscom Launches Enterprise Mobile: Enhanced Subscriptions for SMEs with Microsoft Teams Integration

(IN BRIEF) Swisscom introduces Enterprise Mobile, a tailored mobile subscription service designed to cater to the diverse needs of Swiss SMEs. With premium data speeds of up to 2 Gbit/s and unlimited data options, businesses can enjoy seamless connectivity and … Read the full press release

Bechtle Implements Copilot for Microsoft 365 Across 14 Countries, Empowering Productivity

(IN BRIEF) Bechtle AG, a leading IT service provider, has launched Copilot for Microsoft 365 across 14 countries, deploying 5,000 seats to enhance productivity. Copilot integrates seamlessly into Office applications, offering support for routine tasks and suggestions for complex work. … Read the full press release

EIB Boosts Bulgarian Economy with €291 Million Financing and Advisory Support

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) and European Investment Fund (EIF) have forged agreements with Bulgarian partners, including Allianz Bank Bulgaria (ABB) and United Bulgarian Bank (UBB), to enhance the country’s economy and advance its transition to carbon neutrality. … Read the full press release

EBRD Invests €30 Million in Sustainable Real Estate Projects Across Baltic and Eastern Europe

(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is bolstering sustainable real estate initiatives in the Baltic states and central and eastern Europe with a €30 million investment in UAB Urban Hub Holding, a joint venture with UAB … Read the full press release

EBRD and Banque du Caire Partner to Empower MSMEs and Women Entrepreneurs in Egypt with US$50 Million Financing Package

(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a financing package of US$50 million (€46 million) for Banque du Caire (BDC), a prominent Egyptian bank, aimed at bolstering support for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) … Read the full press release

President Nadia Calviño Outlines Ambitious Strategy for EIB Group at Informal Ecofin Meeting

(IN BRIEF) During an informal Economic and Financial Affairs Council (Ecofin) meeting in Ghent, President Nadia Calviño of the European Investment Bank (EIB) shared an ambitious vision for the institution’s future. Emphasizing the importance of supporting Europe’s leadership in the … Read the full press release

Innovative TU/e Master’s Student Creates SUWEVE to Enhance Wheelchair Mobility

(IN BRIEF) Wouter Witteman, a master’s student in Embedded Systems at Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), is known for his innovative solutions. His latest venture, SUWEVE, aims to improve wheelchair mobility by allowing users to face backward while being pushed. … Read the full press release

EIF and BT Microfinantare IFN Expand InvestEU Microfinance Guarantee for Romanian Entrepreneurs

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Fund (EIF) and BT Microfinantare IFN (BT Mic) have reinforced their commitment to the InvestEU Microfinance, Social and Skills Guarantee Product, aiming to provide financial support to 10,000 microenterprises across various sectors, including agriculture, in … Read the full press release

EBRD and Shinhan Bank Kazakhstan Finance Expansion of Atakent Business Hub in Almaty

(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) collaborates with Shinhan Bank Kazakhstan (SBK) to support the expansion of Kazakhstan’s prominent conference hub, the Atakent Business Cooperation Centre in Almaty. Through a KZT 3 billion (US$ 6.6 million) … Read the full press release

Vodafone Business and vcita Partner to Empower SMEs with Productivity App

(IN BRIEF) Vodafone Business collaborates with vcita, a leading business management software provider, to introduce the Vodafone Business Management tool with vcita. Aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the app offers an affordable and secure solution to enhance productivity, … Read the full press release

UBS Forges Strategic Alliance with University of St.Gallen, Elevating Innovation and Talent Development

(IN BRIEF) Continuing the trajectory initiated with Credit Suisse in 2021, UBS is set to become a strategic partner of the University of St.Gallen (HSG). Emphasizing Switzerland’s position as an international innovation hub, the collaboration aims to foster innovation, entrepreneurship, … Read the full press release

EIB Injects €143 Million to Bolster Greek Research & Innovation; 2023 Annual Results Showcase Record Investment in Greece

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) has pledged a substantial €143 million loan to boost the Hellenic Foundation for Research and Innovation (HFRI), fortifying research and development (R&D) initiatives across Greece’s public higher education institutions and research centers. This … Read the full press release

EIB Group Expands Baltic Presence with New Offices in Riga and Tallinn

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) Group has announced plans to establish local offices in Riga, Latvia, and Tallinn, Estonia, aiming to bolster its support for regional projects and investments. This move signifies a deeper commitment to the Latvian … Read the full press release

EIB Boosts Croatia’s Sustainable Growth with Record Financing and Green Investments

(IN BRIEF) The EIB Group announces a robust year of activity in Croatia for 2023, committing €464 million in financing to support economic and social cohesion, green transition, and digital transformation. This brings the total investment in Croatia over the … Read the full press release

EIB Group Investment in Czechia Spurs Greener Infrastructure, Boosts Small Businesses, and Drives Innovation

(IN BRIEF) In 2023, the European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) made significant investments totaling €1.88 billion in the Czech Republic, focusing on initiatives to enhance regional development, economic resilience, and environmental sustainability. The largest loan, amounting to €985 million, … Read the full press release

InvestEU Programme and EIF Join Forces to Boost Social Enterprises and Creative Sector in Catalonia

(IN BRIEF) With support from the InvestEU programme, the European Investment Fund (EIF) and the Catalan Finance Institute (ICF) have entered into a capped portfolio guarantee agreement to leverage €64 million in financing for social enterprises and entities in the … Read the full press release

NatWest and Beauhurst Startup Index Reveals Record Year for UK Entrepreneurship in 2023

(IN BRIEF) The NatWest and Beauhurst Startup Index released today unveils a landmark year for entrepreneurship in the UK, with over 900,000 new companies incorporated, marking a record high. Despite economic challenges such as inflation and operational costs, the surge … Read the full press release

Swedfund Boosts Financial Inclusion in Côte D’Ivoire with $5 Million Investment in Bridge Bank Microfinance

(IN BRIEF) Swedfund has announced a significant investment of USD 5 million in Teyliom Finance’s subsidiary, Bridge Bank Microfinance, as part of its mission to enhance financial empowerment for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Côte D’Ivoire. This investment, … Read the full press release

EIB Group and Deutsche Leasing Romania Forge €335 Million Agreement to Boost Small Business Financing and Climate Action

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) collaborates with Deutsche Leasing Romania IFN SA (DLRO) to finalize a synthetic securitization transaction worth €335 million, aimed at mitigating credit risk and enhancing lending capacity for DLRO, which in turn … Read the full press release

EIB Global’s €1.2 Billion Injection Energizes Western Balkans’ Future

(IN BRIEF) EIB Global, the financing arm of the European Investment Bank outside the EU, set a milestone by investing €1.2 billion in the Western Balkans in 2023, aiming to catalyze over €6 billion in new investments. The funds are … Read the full press release

EIB Group’s Strong Growth in France: €12 Billion Investment Spurred by Climate Action, Innovation, and Sustainable Infrastructure

(IN BRIEF) In 2023, the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group experienced robust growth in France, providing nearly €12 billion in long-term financing to the private sector and local and regional authorities. This included €10.6 billion from the EIB and €1.4 … Read the full press release

EIB and TBC Bank Partner to Boost SME Financing in Georgia

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a guarantee agreement with TBC Bank, supported by the European Union, to provide favorable financing terms and reduced collateral requirements for the local private sector in Georgia. This partnership will enable … Read the full press release

EIF Signs €2 Billion Guarantee Agreements to Boost SMEs and Green Transition in Bulgaria

(IN BRIEF) The European Investment Fund (EIF), a part of the European Investment Bank Group, has inked guarantee agreements with four Bulgarian banks, including Postbank (Eurobank Bulgaria), ProCredit Bank Bulgaria, UniCredit Bulbank, and United Bulgarian Bank, facilitating up to €2 … Read the full press release

Central Asian Entrepreneurs Embrace Green Initiatives with EBRD Support

(IN BRIEF) The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is actively supporting sustainability and green initiatives in Central Asia, empowering local entrepreneurs to transition to eco-friendly operations. One notable example is the Bel-Tam yurt camp in Kyrgyz Republic, which, … Read the full press release

ABN AMRO Secures €250 Million Financing from EIB to Boost Sustainable Investments for Dutch Businesses

(IN BRIEF) ABN AMRO has successfully secured €250 million in financing from the European Investment Bank (EIB), which will be matched by the bank itself, resulting in a total of €500 million in new loans available to Dutch businesses. This … Read the full press release

European Commission, EIB, and ESA Collaborate to Boost European Space Sector

(IN BRIEF) In a significant move, the European Commission, the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the European Space Agency (ESA) have signed a collaboration arrangement to strengthen the European space sector, with a particular focus on small and medium businesses … Read the full press release