Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and mid-caps

Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are a cornerstone of the global economy, driving job creation and innovation. In Europe, around 23 million MSMEs represent 99% of all businesses and provide approximately three-quarters of employment. Despite their strong potential, many face barriers to accessing finance. Through a wide network of financial intermediaries, the EIB Group helps entrepreneurs access finance to start-up, grow and lead the green and digital transition.

What is an MSME?

Micro, Small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are defined by the EU recommendation 2003/361/EC based on the number of employees.

Micro-enterprises (0–9 employees*)
Small enterprises (10–49 employees*)
Medium-sized enterprises (50–249 employees*)
Mid-caps (250–2 999 employees)

For a self-assessment, check the EU’s SME wizard

How EIB Group supports MSMEs

By offering a broad range of financial products and advisory services to our intermediaries (National Promotional Banks and Institutions, banks, leasing companies, venture capital and private equity funds and other providers) we support companies at all stages of development and projects that accelerate the green transition, boost technological innovation, bolster security and defence, support regional cohesion and social infrastructure development. We especially target regions where access to finance is an obstacle to economic growth. Our offer is complemented by the European Investment Fund (EIF), the specialised risk capital and guarantee arm of the EIB Group.

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Our stories

Real stories speak louder than policies. Discover how we help entrepreneurs succeed.

5 June 2026

How to empower farmers to withstand climate shocks in Zambia

Zambia’s agriculture value chain gets boost from loans, risk-sharing and technical assistance backed by EIB Global, EU

SMEs Bioeconomy Environment Climate change Climate Climate action Zambia Sub-Saharan Africa Agriculture and bioeconomy Global development Climate and environment
1 April 2026

SMEs in North Macedonia go green to get results

EIB green financing helps Macedonian SMEs adopt clean tech, cut energy costs and boost competitiveness and jobs

SMEs Climate Renewable energy Jobs Energy efficiency Climate action Finance Sustainability North Macedonia EU enlargement countries Western Balkans Climate and environment Energy
19 March 2026

How Bulgaria became a venture capital hub

EIF backed venture capital has transformed Bulgaria into a regional startup hub, supporting deep tech innovation and high-value jobs.

Venture capital & equity Start-ups Venture capital Institutional SMEs Technology EIF Croatia Romania Bulgaria European Union Digitalisation and technological innovation
3 March 2026

Why security and defence is a race against time for Europe

Geopolitical change means Europe needs to invest in innovation and strengthen its strategic autonomy with new financing and by encouraging private investment

Cybersecurity Venture capital & equity SMEs Digital and telecoms Podcast European Union Digitalisation and technological innovation Security and defence
8 January 2026

Securitisation gives gift of growth to Dutch entrepreneur

The biggest Dutch synthetic securitisation boosts ABN AMRO’s lending to SMEs. Here’s how it benefits one smart, young company founder

SMEs The Netherlands European Union Capital Markets Union
17 December 2025

Pan-European defence value-chain investments

How EIB Group financing, funds and bank partnerships unlock growth for Europe’s defence SMEs, boosting innovation, resilience and security across the EU

Cybersecurity SMEs Technology European Union Digitalisation and technological innovation Security and defence
11 December 2025

Bond to back women pharmacists in Spain

First intermediated financing in the EU dedicated to women entrepreneurs benefits women pharmacists or pharmacies employing mostly women across Spain

Employment Institutional SMEs Health and life sciences EIB policies Diversity and gender Finance Spain European Union Capital Markets Union Social infrastructure
18 November 2025

Building bridges in a divided world

The European Investment Bank is strengthening the EU-Latin America partnership with climate action, infrastructure and support for sustainable development.

Interviews Institutional SMEs Transport Partnerships Partners Climate Management committee Nadia Calviño Brazil Costa Rica Panama Ecuador Chile Colombia Latin America and the Caribbean Global development Climate and environment Social infrastructure
30 October 2025

A dream from drips and drops

Innovative sustainable practices and renewable energy revive citrus farming in water-scarce Morocco

Water SMEs Climate Energy savings Water, wastewater management Solar power Climate action Development solutions Sustainability Morocco Southern Neighbourhood Agriculture and bioeconomy Global development Climate and environment Energy
15 October 2025

Green means go

EIB programme strengthens Macedonian banks’ capabilities to help businesses invest in climate action

SMEs Greening Financial Structures (GFS) Programme Climate Advisory services Renewable energy Energy efficiency Climate action Sustainability North Macedonia EU enlargement countries Western Balkans Global development Climate and environment Energy
4 September 2025

From coffee talk to kilowatts

Pioneering initiative in Greece is recognized as world’s first female-led energy community

SMEs Climate Energy transformation Greece European Union Climate and environment Energy
17 July 2025

Smart factories and a cleaner future

EU support to small business in North Macedonia strengthens the private sector and boosts renewable energy

SMEs Climate Renewable energy Technology Energy efficiency Climate action Sustainability North Macedonia EU enlargement countries Western Balkans Digitalisation and technological innovation Climate and environment Energy

What we offer

For SMEs and mid-caps

For projects with a cost below €25 million:

Learn how EIB’s Intermediated loans work
Contact an EIB partner in your country to apply, including eligibility and terms and conditions
Discover practical tools and insights to help your business become more sustainable, resilient and competitive. Start the sustainable entrepreneurship course
Discover how EIF supports MSMEs and mid-caps

For Innovative mid-caps

For projects above €25 million:

Learn more about EIB’s Direct Loans
Discover TechEU – the EU's largest ever financing programme to support Europe’s innovators from idea to IPO and from lab to leadership

For Financial Institutions

If you wish to partner with the EIB Group:

Explore EIB’s offer
Find out with the EIB Group Green Checker if an enterprise or investment may benefit from financing under EIB Green Intermediated Products
Explore the EIF’s financial instruments to improve access to finance for MSMEs and mid-caps
- Equity products
- Guarantee products

Contact us

Media

Contact our press officers:

General enquiries

Contact the Information Desk for enquiries regarding the financing facilities, activity, organisation and objectives of the EIB.

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