Investment & Fund Management

In the case of Neobuto, a children's shoe shop located in Brno, Czechia, the client faced the challenge of providing a specialized range of footwear that catered to the growing demand for healthy, natural, and barefoot-like options for children. Recognizing the importance of properly fitting footwear for children, Lucie Prokešová sought to address this niche market by offering attentive and professional advice to help young customers find the right shoes.

To establish her business, Prokešová obtained an EU-supported loan through Komer?ní banka, which is an EIF financial intermediary under the COSME Loan Guarantee Facility. This financial support enabled her to open Neobuto in early 2016. The shop quickly gained a reputation not only in Brno but also attracted customers from as far as 200 km away, including visitors from neighboring countries like Slovakia and Austria. This success was driven by the unique offerings of previously less-known brands of children’s shoes in the Czech market.

In response to the specific needs of her clientele, Neobuto recently began collaborating with a children's physiotherapist to expand their range of shoes, particularly to address issues such as flatfoot. Following the positive reception and success in Brno, there are plans to open a new branch in Prague, further extending the reach of Neobuto's specialized services. The backing of the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) through the COSME loan was instrumental in facilitating the establishment and growth of this niche business.