EU Funding

EU funding is complex. The three main schemes that may benefit your business are the European Investment Bank, the European Investment Fund and the Structural Funds. Contact your local Business Link if you would like further information on the European Investment Bank or the Investment Fund.

European Investment Bank

The European Investment Bank (EIB) offers various financial facilities to support projects including loans for SMEs through an intermediary (global loans), venture capital, individual loans and a structured finance facility. In 2001, EIB lending for projects to encourage the attainment of EU objectives totalled EURO36.8 billions.

European Investment Fund

The European Investment Fund is the European Union's specialised financial institution providing venture capital and guarantee instruments for the creation, growth and development of SMEs.

European Structural Funds

In this country, EU structural funding might be able to assist your creative business. Many parts of the UK receive structural funds. There are two main strands of regional EU funding for which creative industries might be eligible: European Social Fund (ESF) and European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Schemes such as the Merseyside Special Investment Fund have been supported by the Structural Funds.

For further information on how EU funding might benefit your creative businesses in England, we recommend you contact your local Government Office. In Scotland, the funds are administered by the Scottish Executive, in Wales by the Welsh European Funding Office and in Northern Ireland by the Dept. of Finance and Personnel.

The web site of the European Commission’s representation in the UK also provides detailed information on the structural funds.