Source: European Investment Bank
In collaboration with the European Commission, the EIB has launched the “Gender Finance Lab for commercial banks” under the InvestEU Advisory Hub. This advisory programme is designed to assist EU commercial banks in enhancing access to finance for women-owned and women-led businesses.
The initiative will kick off with 25 European banks participating in a masterclass program focused on closing the gender finance gap and leveraging the economic potential of women entrepreneurs. By equipping financial institutions with the tools and strategies to effectively support women-led SMEs, the lab aims to unlock untapped opportunities in the market.
Just before the launch of the Gender Finance Lab, the EIB and CBNK (the bank for key engineering and health professionals formed by the merger of Banco Caminos and Bancofar) announced a historic initiative to support women entrepreneurs in the pharmaceutical sector in Spain. The operation represents the first EIB intermediated loan within the EU that is fully dedicated to supporting women entrepreneurs. It will benefit women who want to start or grow in the pharmaceutical sector, in urban and rural areas. This would represent around 600 pharmacies across the country. It will involve access to loans of an average size of 450,000 euros, with which women entrepreneurs can finance from the establishment of their business (purchase of licenses), working capital (stocks) or materials such as counters, shelves or computer equipment.
Despite making up a majority of the workforce in the pharmacy sector, women continue to face barriers such as limited access to finance, wage gaps and underrepresentation in leadership positions. This operation seeks to address these challenges by providing tailored financial support to women entrepreneurs and business leaders, enabling them to scale their businesses and contribute to Spain’s economic growth.
CBNK is among the 25 European banks that have already joined the InvestEU Gender Finance Lab.
Women Climate Leaders Network celebrates one year of advocacy
March 2025 marks the first anniversary of the Women Climate Leaders Network (WCLN), launched by the EIB Group to champion sustainable practices and empower businesses in their green transition. Over the past year, the network has developed actionable recommendations to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-sized companies adopt greener approaches and scale climate-friendly innovations, that they shared with EU policymakers at the EIB Group Forum.
Recommendations include local knowledge-sharing platforms, simplified reporting, capacity building, and linking green to business benefits. Additionally, the Network advocates for enhanced policies to scale green innovation through temporary tax incentives, adjusted financial regulations, and regulatory sandboxes. The Network confirms that a single point of entry guidance for the next Multiannual Financial Framework – EU’s long-term budget – will be crucial in informing SMEs about available EU financing.
As the Women Climate Leaders Network enters its second year, it remains dedicated to empowering businesses in the EU’s transition to a greener, more inclusive future.
For more information: Gender equality and women’s economic empowerment