EIB and finance&invest.brussels sign loan agreement to boost SME lending

Core Points - The European Investment Bank (EIB) and finance&invest.brussels have signed a €50 million ($57.6 million) loan agreement to enhance SME lending [1] - This agreement will enable finance&invest.brussels to provide up to €140 million in new loans to local SMEs and mid-caps under more favorable terms [1][2] Group 1: Objectives and Impact - finance&invest.brussels aims to facilitate funding for business expansion and job creation by reducing collateral requirements and improving lending conditions [2] - The institution focuses on sectors such as financial and legal technology, urban agriculture, creative industries, and sustainable food production [2][3] - The CEO of finance&invest.brussels emphasized the importance of supporting entrepreneurs in their growth and transition projects in a changing economic environment [3] Group 2: Previous Collaborations and Financial Support - The loan agreement extends the previous collaboration between finance&invest.brussels and the European Investment Fund, which has provided guarantees of €54 million in 2021 and €78 million in 2023 to support local SMEs and mid-caps [4] - The EIB and European Commission also recently agreed on a €400 million facility agreement with the Palestine Monetary Authority, indicating ongoing financial support initiatives [5]