ec.europa.eu/cip/eip/index_en.htm
The target group for this component of the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) includes small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) in the start-up and growth phase, as a means to facilitate access to financing (venture and seed capital funds, micro-loans of up to EUR 25,000, loans, guarantee schemes), promote a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, promote the use of innovative and environmentally-friendly technologies, harmonise operations with environmental protection policy and the use renewable sources of energy; improve operations through the use of information and communication systems, create clusters, and create public-private partnerships. Alongside small and medium size enterprises, the programme is intended for organizations/institutions which operate in the area of promotion, encouragement and/or support of entrepreneurship. Total budget 2007 to 2013: €2.170 billion.