Investment & Fund Management

Ariela Polito, an Argentinian national residing in Navarra, Spain, faced significant challenges in launching her cosmetics business, Reina Margarita. Having previously worked in the dermo-cosmetics sector in Argentina, she sought to leverage local resources in Spain, specifically the sloe, a local plum, to create a line of sustainable cosmetics. However, she encountered difficulties in securing financing to equip her laboratory and meet regulatory requirements, which is a common hurdle for entrepreneurs in the cosmetics industry.

To address these challenges, Ariela developed a comprehensive business plan that highlighted her innovative approach to cosmetics, which incorporates traditional Navarra gastronomy and emphasizes natural ingredients without artificial additives. This plan attracted the attention of Laboral Kutxa, a financial institution that provided her with a loan guaranteed by the European Investment Fund (EIF) through the EU Employment and Social Innovation (EaSI) programme. This programme is designed to support vulnerable groups in establishing or developing their businesses, ultimately enabling Ariela to create her own job.

As a result of this tailored financial support, Reina Margarita has successfully launched a full range of cosmetics that not only focus on sustainability but also incorporate historical narratives related to the products. Ariela aims to enhance the consumer experience by connecting her products to the local culture and history, thereby differentiating her brand in a competitive market. The financing facilitated by the EIF has been crucial in helping her realize her vision and establish a unique business model that resonates with consumers.