The Micro-Loan Fund for Agricultural Entrepreneurship features a risk-sharing micro-loan facility under a Fund of Funds (FoF) structure, managed by the Hellenic Development Bank (HDB). Supported by Greece’s Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2022 with a contribution of EUR 61.5 million from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), it is the first micro-finance instrument for the primary sector in the country. The instrument co-finances new loan portfolios built-up by financial intermediaries at a risk-sharing rate of 50%.

This handbook provides comprehensive guidance on setting up and implementing financial instruments under the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) to support employment, education and social inclusion. Developed to assist ESF+ managing authorities and other relevant stakeholders, the handbook highlights the potential offered by financial instruments to enable sustainable funding solutions and maximise social impact. The publication describes why financial instruments are relevant tool for achieving ESF+ objectives and how to make the most of their use.