The Social Impact Fund (FIS), managed by COFIDES and under the direction of the Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migrations, has taken an important step in its activity by approving its first investments, totaling 50 million euros. This initiative aims to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that develop projects aimed at addressing social and environmental challenges in Spain.
Of this amount, 30 million euros will be allocated to the IB Impact Debt Spain, the first fund in its category operating in the country and managed by Impact Bridge Asset Management. This fund aims to raise 150 million euros to finance companies focusing on areas such as rural development, decent employment, gender equality, and energy efficiency. Additionally, 100,000 euros have been reserved for technical assistance, including training on hiring and sourcing suppliers with social impact.
In addition, the FIS will invest 19.5 million euros in the Q-Impact Fund II, a growth capital fund aiming to exceed 100 million euros in total. This fund specializes in SMEs implementing initiatives in social inclusion, education, integration of people with disabilities, and ecological transition projects.
Investment decisions have been approved by an Independent Expert Panel and the Technical Interministerial Investment Committee, ensuring a solid and transparent management of the fund.
Elena Rodríguez, Secretary General of Inclusion, highlighted the relevance of the FIS, which places Spain in fourth place worldwide in impact economy initiatives. She assured that this fund is a key tool to address critical issues such as social inclusion and sustainable growth. In the same vein, Ángela Pérez, president of COFIDES, emphasized that these operations are a milestone in the creation of the fund, with the aim of transforming impact investment and strengthening social entrepreneurship in the country.
The FIS was established by the Government through the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan, supported by resources from the NextGenerationEU instrument. With a total capital of 400 million euros available, the fund aims to finance projects that generate positive social and environmental impact while promoting the mobilization of private resources.
In addition to its direct investments, the FIS offers various forms of financial support and technical assistance to strengthen the capacities of beneficiary entities. With all these initiatives underway, the fund is now operational and open to receiving financing proposals.
via: MiMub in Spanish