English (en)

WHAT EU FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE
FOR YOUR COMPANY?

EU-supported loans and venture capital are available for companies of any size and sector. The EU provides financial support and guarantees so that local banks, business investors and venture capitalists can more easily lend you money or invest in your company.

  • A wide range of financing is available: business loans, microfinance, guarantees and venture capital.
  • The decision to provide EU financing is made by local financial institutions (banks, angel investors, venture capitalists).
  • The exact financing conditions – amount, duration, interest rates and fees – are determined by the financial institutions.
  • You have a right to feedback from credit institutions on their decision. This can help you to understand your financial position and improve your chances to obtain funding in the future should you be unsuccessful.
  • The available EU funds are:
    • COSME programme – loans of up to € 150,000 for SMEs.
    • InnovFin Programme – loans and guarantees for innovative businesses and finance of research projects.
    • Creative Europe – loans to SMEs in cultural and creative sectors.
    • Programme for Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) – loans of up to € 25,000 for micro-enterprises and vulnerable persons looking to set up a microcompany, and investments of up to € 500,000 to social enterprises.
    • European Structural and Investment Funds – loans, guarantees, equity financing or business grants.
    • European Investment Bank and European Investment Fund – business loans, microfinance, guarantees and venture capital.
  • Find out more: https://europa.eu/youreurope/a2f_en

GETTING A GRANT
FROM THE EU

  • The EU has several different funding programmes that you may be able to apply for, depending on the nature of your business/project.
  • There are 2 types of funding: direct and indirect.
  • Direct funding – the allocation of the capital is managed by the European institutions. The funding is offered through grants.
    • Grants are given to specific projects that relate to EU policies, usually following a public announcement known as a call for proposals. You can apply for a grant if you run a business or related organisation carrying out projects that further the EU’s interests, or if you contribute to the implementation of an EU programme or policy.
  • Indirect funding – it is managed by national and regional authorities and comprises almost 80 % of the EU’s budget. This is predominantly done through 5 big funds under the umbrella of the European Structural and Investment Funds:
    • European Regional Development Fund
    • European Social Fund
    • Cohesion Fund
    • European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development
    • European Maritime and Fisheries Fund
  • To access EU grants, please apply via the relevant managing authorities (regional/national) in the EU country you are registered.
  • Find out more: https://europa.eu/youreurope/programmes_en

FIND OUT MORE:
Your Europe

https://europa.eu/youreurope/business

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