Doing business in Europe
The European Union provides assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from Member states and often from candidate countries. They are available in different forms such as grants, loans and, in some cases guarantees. SMEs can also benefit from a series of non-financial assistance measures in the form of programmes and business support services. For further information go to
European Support for SMEs| (new window).
Below is a brief guide to some of this assistance, please note that this is not exhaustive:-
Funding Opportunities directly available to SMEs
The funding is mostly thematic with specific objectives – environment, research , education – designed and implemented by different Departments of the European Commission. SMEs can apply directly for the programmes, generally on condition that they present sustainable, value added and trans-national projects.
Environment
LIFE + programme| (new window)
Innovation and Research
7th Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development| (new window)
EUREKA| (new window) – Eureka supports the competiveness of European companies through international collaboration, in creating links and networks of innovation.
E-contentplus| (new window)
Education & Training
Financial Instruments
These schemes do not provide direct funding to SMEs, but are usually processed through financial intermediaries. They are intended to increase the volume of credit available for SMEs and to encourage banks to develop their SME lending capacity
EIF provides venture capital instruments and guarantee instruments as well as managing the ETF Start up Facility, Seed Capital Action and SME Guarantee Facility.
Other Sources of Information, Advice and Guidance: