Investment & Fund Management

Jürgen “Jimmy” Imholt faced a significant challenge when he aimed to purchase the optical store where he had worked for years. After climbing the ranks to store manager, he was presented with the opportunity to take over the business as his boss decided to withdraw. However, to make this commitment, Jimmy needed to secure a loan, which proved to be a complex process. He dedicated over two months to meticulously preparing his loan application, conducting extensive research, and ensuring the feasibility of his business plan.

Ultimately, his efforts paid off when the first bank he approached accepted his loan request. This loan was facilitated through the Investment Plan for Europe, specifically an EU-guaranteed loan provided by the German KfW Banking Group and backed by the European Investment Fund (EIF). With this financial support, Jimmy successfully purchased the shop, allowing him to prove his independence and capability in running his own business.

Since securing the loan, Jimmy's optical store, Küstenoptik, has been making steady progress, and he now looks to the future with increased confidence. The tailored solution provided through the EIF financing not only enabled him to acquire the business but also positioned him for ongoing success in the competitive optical retail market.