This case study describes the SELFIEmployment financial instrument in Italy which provides financial support through micro and small loans at zero interest rate for people Not (engaged) in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) to enhance their self-employment and entrepreneurship initiatives, thus increasing their chances of being included in the labour market.
This report offers a first look into the financial gap for agricultural enterprises for short-term and for medium and long-term loans. It is based on established European Commission methodology (Ex-ante assessment of the EU SME Initiative, 2013) and incorporates improved calculations. The input variables are based on updated data from Eurostat, the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) provided by DG AGRI and the SAFE survey. Wherever specific data for the agricultural sector was not available, approximations were used.
The fi-compass macro-regional conference on EAFRD financial instruments for agriculture and rural development in 2014-2020 took place in Warsaw on 24 October 2016.
The event:
The new fi-compass series of specific thematic workshops started with an event covering financial instruments supporting energy efficiency in Vienna on 20 October 2016. Peer-to-peer learning and sharing experience were central.
Participants could:
The European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) policy framework emphasises the need for more use of financial instruments in 2014-2020: the overall aim is therefore to deliver more ESIF funding through financial instruments in the future. To help achieve this, the European Commission, in partnership with the EIB, has set up a single advisory platform on ESIF financial instruments for the programming period 2014-2020. This advisory platform is called fi-compass.
María Monteagudo used to contribute with marketing and administrative tasks to her family’s agri-business. With the support of EAFRD financial instruments, she was able to purchase a flock of sheep and take her first steps into farming, joining the family business in a new and independent way.
Her story reflects a broader transformation in the Spanish region powered by EU shared management financial instruments: empowering young farmers, driving generational renewal, and creating new jobs in rural areas
In Galicia, financial instruments are driving rural innovation. They're helping agri-food businesses modernise, add value to their products, and boost competitiveness.
One standout example is Juan José Fraga Paz, who runs a dairy farm producing 7.5 million litres of milk annually. Thanks to a EUR 330 000 loan, he's launching production of a traditional regional cheese, creating jobs, increasing profitability, and preserving local heritage.
Projects like his are vital for the Galicia region, delivering top-quality products at fair prices and turning the countryside into a thriving economic engine.
A Workers’ Buyout happens when employees take over ownership of the company they work for, often to save it from closure or preserve jobs. This video highlights how this approach helps with business succession and job security, featuring real-life stories from across Europe and insights into how cooperatives can support these efforts, showing how Workers’ buyouts can empower employees, strengthen local economies, and offer a sustainable alternative for businesses facing economic hardship.
Microfinance can help Europe's necessity-driven entrepreneurs and those starting businesses to provide for themselves and their families. With zero-interest loans, no guarantees, and hands-on support, microfinance is unlocking self-employment, creating jobs, and driving social inclusion.
This video explains how Bulgaria and Poland implemented ESF+ financial instruments to support entrepreneurship through microcredit and other tools. It also highlights how programmes like CONFÍA in Spain play a key role to assist women entrepreneurs and other target groups in accessing finance for their businesses.
