The European Investment Bank (EIB) is teaming up with regional lender finance&invest.brussels to unlock new funding for small and mid-sized businesses in the Brussels Capital Region, as set out in a recent announcement. Under a new €50 million loan, the regional institution will be able to offer around €140 million in fresh financing to local firms on better terms.
The idea is simple: reduce collateral demands and improve lending conditions so entrepreneurs can invest in growth, hire more staff, and strengthen their position in a challenging economy. EIB Vice-President Robert de Groot said Brussels has a “diverse, innovative and dynamic” base of small and medium-sized businesses that play a key role in the region’s and Belgium’s overall growth. Working with finance&invest.brussels, he added, should help these companies access the capital they need to expand and create new opportunities.
The new funding will target SMEs and mid-caps across a range of sectors, from fintech and legal tech to creative industries, urban farming, and sustainable food. All loan decisions will be taken by finance&invest.brussels, which knows the regional market and its entrepreneurs well.
“This partnership confirms our commitment to giving SMEs in the Capital Region real, lasting support,” said Pierre Hermant, CEO of finance&invest.brussels. He stressed that, as the economy keeps shifting, backing business “growth and transition projects” is essential to keep Brussels dynamic and attractive as an innovative, globally connected hub.
The deal builds on earlier cooperation within the wider EIB Group. In 2021 and 2023, finance&invest.brussels signed two guarantee agreements with the European Investment Fund that supported an additional €54 million and €78 million in SME and mid-cap financing, helping to deepen the pool of accessible capital for local businesses.
