geo/europe-and-central-asia
This analysis provides an overview of the main markets relevant to EIF. We start by discussing the general market environment, then look at the main aspects of equity finance and the SME Securitisation market. Finally, we briefly highlight important aspects of microfinance in Europe.
We value gender equality as an integral part of EBRD's commitment to promoting sustainable and environmentally sound development across our investment and donor-funded activities. We therefore consider gender equality as crucial to promoting sound business management and advancing sustainable growth in the Bank's countries of operations.
The EBRD’s Strategic Gender Initiative sets out how the Bank will continue to work to prevent gender discrimination and mitigate the negative effects of lack of equality of opportunity. It also sets out how the Bank can best play a role in addressing the gender gaps identified in certain countries at country level and facilitate and promote women’s socio-economic empowerment, equality of opportunity and participation in the labour market.
Whilst Europe does not have enough entrepreneurs following through on their ideas to set up in business, there are, disproportionately, even fewer women than men entrepreneurs. Europe's economy needs more entrepreneurs to take the plunge. The Commission is working with Member States to find ways to overcome the factors which particularly discourage women from taking up the option of entrepreneurship
The more than 20 million SMEs in the EU represent 99% of businesses, and are a key driver for economic growth, innovation, employment and social integration.
Through bank loans, micro and small business lending programmes, equity investments and support for other financial services (such as insurance and leasing), the EBRD is engaged with various providers of financial services to develop the financial sector and foster entrepreneurship.
The Bank has introduced innovative products, supported sector reform through privatisation, consolidation and restructuring and promoted local regulatory and legislative initiatives.
Supporting the investments of SMEs, the engine of Europe’s economy, is one of the EIB Group key priorities.During 2011, the EIB Group provided EUR 13 billion of finance for SMEs and midcaps companies.
Through the investments in our region, the EBRD has become the largest private equity funds investor with commitments of over €2.7 billion to funds with capital of over €13.5 billion as of December 2009.
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.
ACCESS ICT is a targeted initiative for early stage ICT SMEs and ICT research projects that have come through European Union funded R&D Programmes (FP6 and FP7) which are looking for funding from Venture Capital Investors (including business angels, Venture Capital (VC) firms and corporate investors). ACCESS ICT provides the necessary support to enable ICT innovations and SMEs to become investment-ready through specifically tailored coaching and mentoring.
