This content is delivered to you in the framework of the SEBS2 project co-funded by the Erasmus+, as our aim is to popularize social business and social entrepreneurship in the Baltic Sea Region.

Great info for small social enterprises!

The Microfinance and Social Entrepreneurship (MF/SE) axis support actions in two thematic sections:

  • Increase access to, and the availability of, microfinance for vulnerable groups who want to set up or develop their business and micro-enterprises.
  • Build up the institutional capacity of microcredit providers.
  • Support the development of social enterprises, in particular by facilitating access to finance.

EaSI Guarantee

EUR 96 million is already available for interested microcredit providers and social enterprise through the EaSI Guarantee. It shall enable microcredit providers and social enterprise investors to reach out to entrepreneurs they would not have been able to finance otherwise for risk considerations. The Commission has selected the European Investment Fund as its entrusted entity to implement the EaSI Guarantee.

To apply for the EaSI Guarantee (direct or counter-guarantee), reply to a call for expression of interest on the European Investment Fund website.

EaSI Capacity Building

EUR 16 million is available through the EaSI Capacity Building Investments Window. It aims at building up the institutional capacity of selected financial intermediaries that have not yet reached sustainability or are in need of risk capital to sustain their growth and development. It covers equity and, in exceptional cases, loans. The Commission has selected the European Investment Fund as its entrusted entity to implement the EaSI Capacity Building Investments Window.

To apply for the EaSI Capacity Building Investments Window, reply to a call for expression of interest on the European Investment Fund website.

The European Commission does not directly finance entrepreneurs or social enterprises but enables selected microcredit providers and social enterprise investors in the EU to increase lending.

Organisations that can apply for funding are public and private bodies established at the national, regional or local level and providing microcredit for persons and microenterprises and/or financing for social enterprises in these countries.