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European Investment Fund’s activity is focussed on improving the financial environment for small businesses.To this end, EIF works with a wide range of financial bodies. Through EIF’s actions, European small and medium-sized enterprises, known as SMEs, have improved access to finance, allow them to set up and develop their enterprises.

EIF does not provide direct funding of any kind to small businesses. 

What is EIF’s activity in support of SMEs?

EIF carries out its business activities in 2 main areas:

  • EIF's venture capital activity consists of equity investments in venture capital funds and business incubators that support SMEs, particularly those that are early stage and technology-oriented.
    EIF’s venture capital clients are specialised venture capital funds and business incubators.
  • EIF's guarantee activities consist of providing guarantees to financial institutions that cover credits to SMEs.
    EIF’s guarantee activity clients include banks, leasing companies, guarantee institutions and mutual guarantee funds. These intermediaries invest in SMEs that meet our investment criteria.

Please note that small businesses (SMEs) cannot obtain finance directly from EIF.
 SMEs should therefore not approach EIF with requests for funding (loans, subsidies or grants, etc.).

SMEs are invited to visit the Access to Finance website for information about sources of finance backed by the European Union.

The Access to Finance website provides specific information for SMEs about the sources of loan finance in the 34 European countries that are eligible to participate in the European Commission’s CIP action for SMEs.


Additional sources of information for SMEs about funding from the European Union
  • The Enterprise Europe Network offers support and advice to businesses across Europe and helps them make the most of the opportunities in the European Union, its services are specifically designed for SMEs.
  • European Commission’s website for European Union grants