The Task Force "SMEs Financing" is composed of experts of the co-operative banking sector in the field of SMEs affairs and is a co-operation between CIBP and the European Association of Cooperative Banks (EACB) and UNICO.

In partnership with the European Association of Craft, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (UEAPME), CIBP, EACB and UNICO join forces to allow their members to better support small and medium-sized enterprises which are the core customers of co-operative banks.

This Task Force focuses on a range of SMEs issues of relevance for the members of both organisations, CIBP and EACB, such as European and international projects to support SMEs, initiatives and programmes of the European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group). In this context there is also a need for studying the impact of the Small Business Act on the relationship between banks and SMEs.

In the light of the debates and initiatives of the European Commission and the European Parliament, the main tasks of this Task Force can be summarised as follows:

• Identifying, assessing and monitoring SMEs issues relating to the development of EU policy.
• Assessing and examining the current market situation in order to derive recommendations for action and develop best practices among co-operative banks and their customers.
• Informing CIBP members about developments relevant for SMEs and their banks.
• Developing strategies and common positions towards the EU institutions, the EIF/EIB Group and other relevant decision-making bodies.
• Establishing and maintaining contacts with relevant organisations representing the interests of crafts and entrepreneurs in order to develop common initiatives and actions for improving information and financial education for SMEs.

The Task Force is aimed at providing the European institutions with information and inputs required to work on a resolution concerning EU instruments and support measures for the period 2013-2017.

In close cooperation with the aforementioned Associations, CIBP will contribute to the joint efforts of EIB/EIF pursuing to reduce administrative burdens and to facilitate access to funds and guarantee schemes to the benefit of SMEs.

Moreover CIBP continues to organise, in collaboration with EACB and UEAPME, the "European Forum Co-operative Banks and SMEs".

Please click here to read more about the latest event planned by this working group.