EIB-Mediobanca Collaboration Unlocks Fresh Credit Lines for Italy's Women-Led SMEs

• The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Mediobanca group aims to enhance access to finance for SMEs and female-led enterprises
• The agreement is designed to unlock up to €200 million in fresh capital for the real economy
• 60% funds will support microenterprises, 20% will promote gender equality focusing on central and southern Italy

The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Mediobanca Group have announced a €100 million credit facility aimed at enhancing access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Italy, with a targeted focus on women-led businesses. Special emphasis is placed on empowering women-led businesses and stimulating activity in the country’s cohesion regions to close economic disparities.

The newly signed agreement between EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti and Mediobanca Group CFO Emanuele Flappini represents a strategic advancement in fostering inclusive and sustainable economic development cross Italy. Compass Banca will serve as the new conduit for EIB funding, broadening access to local micro and small businesses.

The EIB’s €100 million loan aims to generate €200 million in credit to stimulate real economic growth. The funding allocates 60% to microenterprises and 20% to women’s economic empowerment, prioritizing underserved southern and central regions. The deal reinforces the EIB’s commitment to SMEs, the backbone of the EU economy, generating most jobs and business activity.

EIB Vice-President Gelsomina Vigliotti emphasized the broader mission behind the deal: “Supporting access to credit for microenterprises, female-led entrepreneurs, and businesses in less developed regions of Italy means investing in the future of the country. Inclusion and territorial development are pillars of the EIB’s investment strategy. No real growth can prosper unless it is equally distributed.”

She highlighted that bridging financial disparities in cohesion area is a strategic lever for achieving long-term national development. “Excluding segments of the population from economic participation undermines the potential for innovation and inclusive progress,” Vigliotti remarked.