Investment & Fund Management

The European Investment Fund (EIF) has partnered with the Catalan Finance Institute (ICF) to provide a capped portfolio guarantee aimed at enhancing access to finance for SMEs in Catalonia, particularly those in the social economy and cultural and creative sectors. This initiative, backed by the InvestEU programme, is designed to address the specific challenges these sectors face, such as limited market size and demand uncertainty, which often hinder their ability to secure financing.

The tailored solution involves leveraging €64 million to support social enterprises and cultural businesses, enabling them to scale their operations and improve their resilience in a competitive market. The agreement is expected to facilitate the launch of a dedicated social entrepreneurship product by ICF, which will specifically target social enterprises that struggle to obtain credit. This financial support is anticipated to foster job creation and enhance the social impact of these businesses, aligning with the European Commission’s Social Economy Action Plan.

The EIF's Chief Executive, Marjut Falkstedt, emphasized the profound impact this agreement could have, stating that it not only supports the businesses but also contributes to the cultural identity and values of the region. The initiative is part of a broader effort under the InvestEU programme, which aims to mobilize over €372 billion in additional investments across the EU from 2021 to 2027, thereby reinforcing the economic and job-creation potential of the social economy and cultural sectors in Catalonia.