COSME is the EU programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) running from 2014 to 2020 with a planned budget of €2.3bn.
COSME aims to make it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access finance in all phases of their lifecycle – creation, expansion, or business transfer. Thanks to EU support, businesses have easier access to guarantees, loans and equity capital. EU ‘financial instruments’ are channelled through local financial institutions in EU countries.
COSME helps businesses to access markets in the EU and beyond, supports entrepreneurs by strengthening entrepreneurship education, mentoring, guidance and other support services. The programme also aims to help businesses access opportunities offered by digital technologies.
COSME will support SMEs in four areas:
Improving access to finance for SMEs in the form of equity and debt
Improving access to markets
Improving framework conditions for the competitiveness and sustainability of Union enterprises
Promoting entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial culture
The Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EASME) manages COSME on behalf of the European Commission. + info