JTF Pillar 2 Implementation: How to ensure the greatest impact

Pillar 2 is a key mechanism for support of entrepreneurship, innovation, SMEs, start-ups and new firms. Loans and/or guarantees should be provided by the Czech-Moravian Development Bank in coordination with the European Investment Bank. How this will look in reality is still unclear but there are a number of options including blended finance, concessional investment capital, follow-up credits among others. This pillar should fund everything from start up cost, to capital investments. This round table is an opportunity for various stakeholders to discuss and provide input on what the pillar should look like and how it should work in the regions as well as a space to explore integration of the EU Taxonomy, the use of investment platforms and how Pillar 2 can become a “one stop shop” for SMEs. 

• Issues and questions to be discussed include: 

• Current plans for implementation of Pillar 2 

• What are the needs of SMEs and how this funding can address them 

• How can SMEs better access Pillar 2 

• Present successful examples of SME investment from the regions