The European Investment Bank (EIB) granted a loan on 6 July of Ђ70 million to Italian bank Banca Sella and its leasing subsidiary Biella Leasing, to finance initiatives in the industrial and services sector carried out by small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The funds will also be available to support specific projects in the energy, environmental protection and innovative technology development sectors, which help to boost the international competitiveness of industry in the EU, especially initiatives launched in regional development areas.
Allocations to individual investment projects will cover up to 50% of the cost of the projects for a total amount ranging between Ђ20,000 and Ђ12.5 million. All SMEs - companies employing less than 250 people, with less than Ђ50 million turn over are eligible for the scheme.
