Investment & Fund Management

Carla, a former café manager in Brussels, faced significant challenges as rising costs made it difficult to sustain her business. After selling her café, she sought a new career path and received a EUR 6,300 loan from microStart, which enabled her to embark on a new venture. This financial support provided her with the necessary resources to start afresh and build a new career.

In Lithuania, Alina, who had been managing an online award manufacturing business, aspired to establish her own family business focused on creating and selling awards. Recognizing a market gap, she approached Šiauli? Bankas AB for a loan to fulfill her entrepreneurial dreams. The funding allowed her to capitalize on her experience and the existing demand for awards in her region.

António, who worked as a waiter in a struggling restaurant in Armação de Pêra, faced precarious employment conditions without a work contract. Leveraging his experience in the restaurant industry, he sought a loan from Millennium BCP to improve his situation and establish a more stable career.

In Bulgaria, Anton, a vegetable grower, encountered difficulties in securing a loan due to his lack of credit history and challenges in proving his income. However, he discovered that Mikrofond was offering micro-credits, which enabled him to expand his greenhouse and increase his vegetable production, thus overcoming the financial barriers he faced.

These case studies illustrate how the Progress Microfinance initiative effectively addresses the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs across Europe, providing tailored financial solutions that empower individuals to pursue their business ambitions.