Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs are the small but mighty powerhouses of local, national and global economies. The fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic hit them where it hurt, with extended disruptions and shutdowns sending shock waves to millions of small businesses. Governments world-wide stepped in quickly with financing that served as a lifeline for these businesses.

Looking ahead, SMEs will need to drive a recovery that is sustainable, resilient and long-lasting. Yet many SMEs emerge from the crisis with considerable debt baggage. Will this negative legacy of the crisis hold back the recovery now underway? How can governments and financial institutions ensure small firms have continued access to the right financing instruments to invest and play their role in building back better? Following a presentation of the key findings of the new 2022 Scoreboard, participants will discuss how the latest trends in debt, equity and alternative financing are shaping prospects for recovery.

Speakers include:

Catherine Lewis La Torre, CEO, British Business Bank
Helmut Kraemer-Eis, Chief Economist, European Investment Fund
Gerhard Huemer, Economic Policy Director, SMEunited 
Matthew Gamser, CEO, SME Finance Forum