Harkin calls on government to use EU SME fund

A European fund which provides credit for SMEs could prove a real boost to Irish entrepreneurs and should be targeted by the Irish government without delay.This was stated by Independent MEP Marian Harkin in Strasbourg. She went on to note that: "The European Progress Microfinance Fund can provide microcredits of up to 25, 000 Euro to micro-enterprises. This fund is particularly targeted at those who would not have access to traditional banking services, for example those who have lost their jobs. "I am calling on all Member States, particularly my own, Ireland, to make use of this fund. It is there to help entrepreneurs get started, and we need to promote start-ups and ensure that assistance is available to help SMEs become sustainable."Some Member States have not accessed this fund, including Ireland, and I cannot understand the delay," Harkin argued.