COSME leaflet
Download the leaflet with the key information on the COSME programme and its objectives.
Download the leaflet (available in all EU languages)
Accessing finance
COSME aims to make it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to access financeSearch for available translations of the preceding link 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 instrumentsSearch for available translations of the preceding link’ are channelled through local financial institutions in EU countries. To find a financial institution in your country, visit the Access to FinanceSearch for available translations of the preceding link portal.
Opening markets
COSME helps businesses to access marketsSearch for available translations of the preceding link in the EU and beyond. It funds the Enterprise Europe Network that helps SMEs find business and technology partners, and understand EU legislation; the Your Europe Business portalSearch for available translations of the preceding link that provides practical information on doing business within Europe. It also finances a number of IPR (intellectual property rights) SME HelpdesksSearch for available translations of the preceding link.
Supporting entrepreneurs
COSME supports entrepreneursSearch for available translations of the preceding link by strengthening entrepreneurship educationSearch for available translations of the preceding link, mentoring, guidance and other support services. Actions support specific groups who may find it difficult to reach their full potential, such as youngSearch for available translations of the preceding link people, womenSearch for available translations of the preceding link and seniorSearch for available translations of the preceding link entrepreneurs. The programme also aims to help businesses access opportunities offered by digital technologiesSearch for available translations of the preceding link.
Improving business conditions
COSME aims to reduce the administrative and regulatory burden on SMEs by creating a business-friendlySearch for available translations of the preceding link environment. COSME also supports businesses to be competitiveSearch for available translations of the preceding link by encouraging them to adopt new business models and innovative practices. This complements actions in areas with high growth potential such as the tourism sectorSearch for available translations of the preceding link.
Background
COSME is the EU programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises running from 2014 – 2020 with a budget of €2.3 billion.
SMEs are the backbone of Europe’s economy, providing 85% of all new jobs. The European Commission aims to promote entrepreneurship and improve the business environment for SMEs to allow them to realise their full potential in today’s global economy.
- Regulation establishing COSMESearch for available translations of the preceding link
- Non-EU participants in COSME
Expressions of interest
The Executive Agency for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (EASME)Search for available translations of the preceding link manages COSME on behalf of the European Commission. Expressions of interest related to COSME can be found on the EASME websiteSearch for available translations of the preceding link. Applications to open calls are made through the Participant PortalSearch for available translations of the preceding link.
Financial intermediaries can find more information on the calls for expression of interest on the COSME financial instrumentsSearch for available translations of the preceding link page.
