Innovative instruments for raising equity for SMEs in Europe
The European Commission's Enterprise Directorate-General is calling for tenders for a study to include field research on best practices in the European Union and the United States, giving practical recommendations for innovative instruments to raise equity for entrepreneurs and SMEs in Europe. The contractor, which will work closely with the Commission, will be required to: - Summarise the needs for improving access to finance for SMEs in Europe, especially in the area of equity finance (including venture capital); - Examine existing best practices of raising equity backed by public guarantees in the EU Member States; - Conduct research of best practice in public schemes in the US; - Identify potential areas where these best practices or specified financial instruments could be adopted to improve access to equity finance for SMEs in Europe; - Give practical recommendations on how innovative instruments for raising equity could be introduced in Europe; - Examine how already existing national and European institutions (i.e. developing agencies, mutual guarantee societies) could cooperate efficiently in this context, while avoiding the setting up of additional administrative structures; - Throughout, remain in close contact with the Commission and attend meetings as necessary at the Commission's offices. The study will be conducted in English because of the nature of the subject and the necessary field research of best practices in the US. A summary of the study will also have to be delivered in French and German. For further information, please contact: European Commission Enterprise Directorate-General Access to Finance Unit Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 200 (G-1 1/30) B-1049 Brussels