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Banks, national promotional banks or other financial institutions The EIB provides loans to institutions acting as financial intermediaries by financing small investments by SMEs (less than 250 employees), mid-sized companies of up to 3 000 employees, or local authorities. In particular, EFSI projects need to be: Financial intermediaries may also benefit from EIB portfolio guarantee instruments as well as EIF products. • Contributing to EU objectives, including sustainable growth and employment How are projects selected for EFSI financing? To benefit from EFSI resources deployed through the EIB, your projects need to undergo the standard EIB due diligence process. This process helps to verify if your project is eligible for EIB financing. • Mature enough to be bankable If it is and the operational department proposes that it be backed by EFSI, it will be presented to the independent Investment Committee to decide on the use of the EU-guarantee. • Economically sound and technically • In at least one of the EFSI eligible sectors as defined in Article 9 of the EFSI Regulation • Priced in a manner commensurate with the risk taken • Following a positive outcome of the due diligence process, projects are submitted for approval by the relevant EIB Group Governing Bodies. How should financial institutions and fund management companies offering financial products apply for EFSI financing?