JEREMIE in Extremadura - Spain

The JEREMIE Holding Fund was set up in 2013 within the Extremadura 2007‑13 Regional Operational Programme (OP) co‑funded by the European Regional Development Fund. The Regional OP envisaged a financial instrument to stimulate investments by small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) and self-employed people for business growth and innovation, given that Extremadura businesses have had one of the lowest levels of innovation in Spain, and that many SMEs have experienced difficulties in accessing finance. This case study shows how an EU co‑funded initiative attracted private investment to stimulate SME growth and innovation in a rural and sparsely populated Spanish region.