Investment & Fund Management

Catalin Dumitrache, a vegetable gardener with two decades of experience, transitioned his passion for flowers into a business, establishing Small Flower Garden Dumitrache in Romania's Prahova district. The company specializes in producing a variety of flowers, including geraniums and petunias, across 2,200 m² of modern greenhouses equipped with automated systems. Despite generating profits, Dumitrache faced significant challenges in securing financing due to the high investment requirements and the cyclical nature of flower production, which complicates profit visibility for small enterprises.

To address these challenges, Dumitrache obtained a loan from Good.Bee Credit, supported by an EIF guarantee under the EU’s Employment and Social Innovation programme. He noted that small businesses often struggle to obtain bank financing, particularly in the agricultural sector, where demonstrating profitability can be difficult. The EU guarantee streamlined the loan process, reducing paperwork and expediting fund access, which was crucial for his business expansion.

With the secured financing, Dumitrache was able to expand his greenhouse operations and invest in new automated equipment, including mobile-controlled heating stations. This technological upgrade is essential for maintaining quality in flower production. Looking ahead, Small Flower Garden Dumitrache plans to construct an additional greenhouse and continue enhancing its production methods, demonstrating a commitment to growth and innovation in the agricultural sector.