On the one hand, Mediterranean MSMEs face important challenges in terms of competitiveness, sustainability, internationalization and capacity to innovate which call for new solutions to ensure their growth and continued existence. On the other hand, greening the economy and enhancing natural assets can provide both economic and environmental benefits in the Mediterranean region. On this basis, the INVESTMED project aims at addressing both economic and environmental challenges, supporting new, sustainable business opportunities for young people and women in three countries: Egypt, Lebanon and Tunisia.

However, it is well known that MSMEs face myriad barriers when it comes to accessing finance. To bridge the knowledge gap and put MSMEs in direct contact with financial actors, the EuroMediterranean Economists Association (EMEA) launched a series of Access to Finance workshops focusing on 4 themes: Crowdfunding as a Source of Finance, Sustainable Finance and Strategies for Sustainable Entrepreneurship, Credit Guarantees for MSMEs, and Engaging with Business Angels and Venture Capitalists. In this report, an overview of each workshop is provided as well the key points of the experts’ presentations. All workshops can be found on the INVESTMED YouTube channel to which links are provided. Report compiled by Kirsty Fairhurst, Communications and Research Officer, EMEA. The INVESTMED Project (InNoVativE Sustainable sTart-ups for the MEDiterranean) is co-funded by the European Union under the ENI CBC Mediterranean Sea Basin Programme 2014-2020. INVESTMED has a duration of 30 months, ending in December 2023, with a total budget of €3.8 Million, of which €3.4 Million (90%) is funded by ENI CBC MED. The publication has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union under the ENI CBC Mediterranean Sea Basin Programme under the INVESTMED Project. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of the Euro-Mediterranean Economists Association and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union or the Programme management structures.