This video showcases how Portuguese farmers and agri-businesses use EAFRD financial instruments to invest in innovation, sustainability, and long-term growth. It highlights real-life examples of how tailored finance helps mitigate risk, boost competitiveness, and support rural development.
This factsheet presents a model financial instrument that combines equity with grants to strengthen competitiveness and innovation across EU Member States. It outlines how managing authorities can use ERDF resources to bridge financing gaps for innovative enterprises, particularly start-ups and early-stage companies, while leveraging private investment and creating a supportive environment for scaling innovation.
This factsheet presents a model financial instrument that combines loans with grants to support innovation in enterprises and innovative enterprises. It explains how managing authorities can use European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) resources to design loan products complemented by grant components—such as capital rebates, interest rate subsidies, or technical support—in order to bridge financing gaps and incentivise investment in research, development, and innovation.
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.
The measures implemented in the region of Castile and León under the CAP Strategic Plan are designed to support climate adaptation and environmental improvement. These include initiatives aimed at reducing water consumption in irrigation while enhancing farmers’ profitability.
Fernando Aparicio Franco, a farmer who cultivates maize, beans, and wheat, recently upgraded his farm’s irrigation system with the support of a EAFRD financial instrument. This modernisation not only boosted his crop yields but also proved to be more environmentally sustainable. It significantly reduced water usage and even enabled him to monitor and control the system remotely via mobile phone, all while reducing his workload.
