Events to look out for
LIVE Twitter chat on Sustainable and Green Finance – 4 December, 10:30 CET. The European Commission’s expert group on Sustainable Finance will be live on Twitter tomorrow to answer your questions.
Funds available
European Commission supports social enterprises in Spain. The European Investment Fund (EIF) has signed a EUR 10 million investment into the Creas Impacto fund and a EUR 3 million investment into Equity4Good to support seed, early and late stage social enterprises in Spain. EIF’s investment will target SMEs in the health and wellbeing, environmental sustainability, education and social innovation sectors.
10 million euros for micro-entrepreneurs in Italy. The EIF and Banca Popolare Sant’Angelo (BPSA) have signed a microfinance guarantee agreement. This new guarantee agreement allows BPSA to provide EUR 10 million in loans to 650 micro-entrepreneurs over the next five years in Italy. Loan receivers will be able to benefit from reduced interest rates with lower collateral. Among the entrepreneurs, BPSA will primarily target women, young people and start-ups.
EU policies for better business
Trade supports over 36 million jobs across the EU. A new study published last week by the European Commission highlights the increasing importance of EU exports for job opportunities in Europe and beyond. The report advances that EU exports to the world are supporting 36 million jobs across Europe, two thirds more than in 2000. 14 million of these jobs are held by women.
Get involved
Apply to the Young Leaders of Industry Forum until 9 December: are you aged between 21 and 30? Do you have ideas on how EU industry can contribute to a better society and environment? Submit an application for Young Leaders of Industry Forum and be selected to present your ideas at the EU Industry Day 2019 in Brussels.
#EUHaveYourSay on the Toy Safety directive: toy manufacturers and business support organisations are invited to participate in this public consultation until 12 December.