27th June 2025

InvestEU: a financing lever for SME ambitions

With access to finance still a major challenge for many SMEs in Europe, the InvestEU programme offers a concrete solution. Supported by the European Union and delivered locally by partner institutions, this guarantee mechanism enables high-impact projects to receive support. Jean-Luc Bermes, SME and Real Estate Development Team Manager, sheds light on the role played by Spuerkeess in this programme.

Jean-Luc, you manage the implementation of the InvestEU guarantee programme within Spuerkeess. What is it exactly?

InvestEU is an EU programme that aims to stimulate investment by providing public guarantees to financial institutions. These guarantees cover between 30% and 70% of the loan amount, and up to 80% for certain types of projects. This enables funding to be released for initiatives that might not have seen the light of day under a traditional financing framework.

What does this actually change for SMEs?

It changes a lot. Thanks to this guarantee, the bank can take more risks while remaining within a sound management framework. This enables the financing of innovative projects led by entities with a short operating history or limited capital. It is a real boost for useful and sometimes ambitious projects.

What types of projects are concerned?

A huge variety. We can support projects involving digitalisation, innovation, sustainable transition, business succession and even projects driven by the social economy. What matters is the project's impact and viability, rather than the size or age of the company.

Have you had any feedback from the market yet?

We have just signed agreements with the European Investment Fund, so the first funds have not yet been disbursed. Nevertheless, we already have several concrete projects in the pipeline, led by motivated SMEs that are closely aligned with the programme's objectives. This demonstrates the interest and real need on the ground.

What conditions must be met to receive the InvestEU guarantee?

Of course, the company must show that the project is economically viable. This means presenting a sound business plan which proves that the company or project can generate a return on investment and that the financing is cost-effective and well structured. The project to be funded or the company seeking financing with the InvestEU guarantee must also meet one of the eligibility criteria.

What message would you like to send to the SMEs reading this?

Don't hesitate to get in touch. Although the programme is still in its infancy, we are already available to analyse projects and support people with ideas. InvestEU is there to help future projects get off the ground – and sometimes all it takes is a little push to kickstart a great business idea.

In any case, Spuerkeess’s business relationship managers can offer guidance and determine whether you meet the conditions for us to provide financing with the InvestEU guarantee.

This is a great opportunity for our SMEs, and we’re delighted to be able to support them through this programme.

Jean-Luc Bermes, Team Manager, SME and Real Estate Development

This programme is supported by the European Investment Bank as part of the InvestEU programme.

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