Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) have received a funding boost that could help provide graduates with employment opportunities.
Within the pre-Budget report of 2008, the government announced that SMEs could potentially be able to benefit from European Investment Bank (EIB) funding and it was revealed today that as many as 3,000 small businesses have already taken advantage.
SMEs who secure the funding via participating national banks could be in a position to improve their headcount, which in turn could provide graduates with invaluable experience of working in a business where their participation makes a noticeable difference.
Simon Brooks, EIB vice president, said: "The EIB's ongoing support for small and medium sized enterprises in the UK through cheaper, simpler and more flexible loans will enable increased investment to expand business opportunities and create new jobs in difficult times.
"We wish to encourage continued contact between firms and partner banks to allow more companies to benefit from the extensive financial support available."
Martin Birchall, managing director of High Fliers Research, said in a recent interview in the Sunday Times that many graduate vacancies at big firms may already be filled.
