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Knowledge category: Funding and financing

EIB Intermediated loans for SMEs, mid-caps and other priorities

Updated on 04.07.2025

The primary aim of the intermediated loan scheme is to enhance access to finance for SMEs and mid-caps, thereby supporting economic growth, employment, and innovation. By channelling funds through local financial intermediaries, the EIB ensures that smaller projects, which might otherwise face financing challenges, receive the necessary support.

Financial entity: European Investment Bank

Relevance for Circular Systemic Solutions

The EIB's intermediated loans support projects that align with its strategic priorities, such as environmental sustainability and bio-economy. As a result, this financing instrument is well-suited for regional/local initiatives that incorporate circular solutions and seek financial support.

Applicant criteria

Depending on the criteria agreed with a specific intermediator, the following final beneficiaries are eligible: Micro-enterprises, SMEs and mid-caps, Large corporates, National public sector agencies, departments, institutions and ministries, Regional or local authorities.

Eligible projects/themes

The intermediated loans are to finance small investments. For SMEs and mid-caps, eligible items include tangible and intangible assets, including purchase or renovation of assets, long-term working capital, etc. For local authorities and public sector entities or private promoters of any size, eligible projects must support at least one of the EIB’s priorities (Climate action and environmental sustainability, Digitalisation and technological innovation, Security and defence, A modern cohesion policy, Agriculture and bioeconomy, Social infrastructure, High-impact global investment, Capital Markets Union).

Amount of funding

To small and medium-sized enterprises, the intermediated lending partners provide funds in amounts up to €12.5 million.

Application process

SMES and Mid-Caps should apply directly to local partners within or outside of the EU: https://www.eib.org/en/products/loans/sme-mid-caps/intermediated-loans.


Further information concerning EIB support to SMEs and Mid-Caps can be found here.

Deadlines

There is no set deadline/deadline is on a need-basis.

Financing type
Territories involved

large 500 000-200 000, medium 200 000-50 000, and small cities 50 000-5 000

large metropolitan area >1.5 million, metropolitan area 1.5 million-500 000

predominantly urban regions, intermediate and predominantly rural regions, refer to TERCET typology NUTS 3 region