1. MICRO: Enhancing Competitiveness of Micro-enterprises in Rural Areas
Module No 10: EU wide tools and resources for rural micro-enterprise development
Prepared by the Consortium for the project: “Irish Rural Link – National University of Ireland Maynooth- CDI – EEO GROUP SA- IHF asbl – IDP - Internet Web Solutions SL”

2. Sources and resources in support of micro-enterprises II
Overview
How many slides?
14 slides in total
How long to read and listen?
15 minutes (not including exploring the links provided within slides)
What is the benefit?
See aim and expected learning in following slides

3. Sources and resources in support of micro-enterprises II
Unit Aim
This unit aims to increase understanding of the resources and financing opportunities available to support micro-enterprises to expand to international markets

4. Sources and resources in support of micro-enterprises II
Expected Learning Outcomes
At the end of this module you will be able to:
Identify and take advantage of financing opportunities that could support further expansion of micro-enterprises
Navigate and use the various tools offered by the EU in support of micro-enterprises

5. Sources and resources in support of micro-enterprises II
Introduction
To promote entrepreneurship and to support SMEs and micro-enterprises, the EU provides key support networks, tools and resources:
A. SME Internationalisation portal – information on foreign markets
B. Access to Finance portal – assistance in finding financial support
Both of them are available in the 24 official languages of the European Union

6. Sources and resources in support of micro-enterprises II
A. SME Internationalisation Portal (1/5)
One of the European Commission priorities is to enhance SMEs’ access to new markets outside the Internal Market
The SME Internationalisation Portal enables SMEs to:
Access a wide database of support services providers
Find links and EU sources of specialized support

7. Sources and resources in support of micro-enterprises II
A. SME Internationalisation Portal (2/5)
The SME Internationalisation Portal gives practical help to European companies to internationalise and expand their market beyond national and EU boundaries
Through the Portal SMEs can find service providers:
To support internationalisation
To get information on funding opportunities within the EU Programmes framework

8. Sources and resources in support of micro-enterprises II
A. SME Internationalisation Portal (3/5)
The SME Internationalisation Portal offers:
Details of support service providers able to help SMEs penetrating target countries: National Agencies, Local Autorithies, Institutions etc.
Information on the offered services
Links to other EU-backed sources of advice

9. Sources and resources in support of micro-enterprises II
A. SME Internationalisation Portal (4/5)
In order to foster Portal accessibility, it is possible to filter information by:
Country of origin
Available services in other Countries
Services provided by European Union Institutions
Available services in the specified market
Then, it is possible to perfect the research by defining the type of internationalisation, the type of services sought and the language of interest

10. Sources and resources in support of micro-enterprises II
A. SME Internationalisation Portal (5/5)
Service providers can use the Portal to:
Sign up in order to be included in the database
Find partners in other Countries

11. Sources and resources in support of micro-enterprises II
B. Access to Finance Portal (1/4)
The European Commission recognises SMEs difficulty in accessing finance and the primary role access to finance plays for SMEs innovation and growth. For this reason, the Commission works to improve the financing environment throughout Europe. The Access to Finance Portal is a practical tool to help SMEs to apply for loans and venture capital.

12. Sources and resources in support of micro-enterprises II
B. Access to Finance Portal (2/4)
SMEs can support their growth and innovation through:
Business loans
Microfinance
Guarantees
Venture capital
Thanks to the Access to Finance Portal it is possible to find financial opportunities in every EU Country

13. Sources and resources in support of micro-enterprises II
B. Access to Finance Portal (3/4)
The Access to Finance Portal provides SMEs across Europe with:
A list of financial intermediaries
Detailed information and direct contacts of financial intermediaries
The possibility to find the most suitable funding opportunity according to their own circumstances

14. Sources and resources in support of micro-enterprises II
B. Access to Finance Portal (4/4)
The Access to Finance Portal is user-friendly since it is possible to filter information by:
Country and Region of financial intermediaries
Enterprise size
Type and amount of financing sought
Field of activity and investment focus

15. Thank you for your attention 
End of Module
Thank you for your attention 