Better access to finance
Small businesses often have difficulties financing their growth and innovations. The European Commission is working with the Member States to stimulate the provision of loans and venture capital for SMEs.
Getting an innovative firm off the ground or expanding it requires money, but financing SMEs is a risky proposition for financiers. To solve this, Europe needs more investors and banks willing to take the risk, and European entrepreneurs need a better understanding of investors' and banks' concerns in order to be able to provide assurances about the soundness of their proposal.
What does the EU do?
- We improve the financing environment for small businesses in Europe to help innovation and growth. This happens both through our own policies and by helping the Member States to share good policies and benefit from the experiences of others.
- The Commission is also helping small businesses to overcome financial market weaknesses, mostly by working together with various financial institutions to provide them with funding. The goal is to increase the opportunities for small businesses to obtain finance from banks, guarantee providers and venture capital funds.
Action plan to improve access to finance for SMEs
News
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30/04/2012
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26/04/2012
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24/04/2012
Mission Growth: Europe at the Lead of the New Industrial Revolution
Key content
Events
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29/05/2012 > 29/05/2012 Brussels
Register now! Conference "Mission Growth: Europe at the Lead of the New Industrial Revolution"
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23/10/2012 > 24/10/2012 Copenhagen
Europe INNOVA 2012 conference - Stress Test of European Innovation Policy
Contracts and grants
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Deadline: 28/06/2012
Economic impact and travel patterns of accessible tourism in Europe
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Deadline: 11/07/2012
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Deadline: 14/09/2012
European Multistakeholder platforms on corporate social responsibility in relevant business sectors
