Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF)

The Midlands Engine Investment Fund (MEIF) was launched in February 2017 to boost small and medium-sized business (SME) growth in the Midlands region of the UK. It aimed to address market gaps in access to finance for SMEs, providing commercially focused finance through Small Business Loans, Debt Finance, Proof of Concept, and Equity Finance. The fund's initial investment phase concluded in December 2023, having facilitated over £400 million of direct and private sector co-investment into growing Midlands-based companies. MEIF aimed to support job creation, innovation, and economic growth across the Midlands Engine region. MEIF's funding was drawn from various sources, including the UK Government, the European Investment Bank, the British Business Bank, the European Regional Development Fund, and ten Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs) across the Midlands. This collaboration between public and private sectors helped to ensure that funding was directed towards businesses with the potential to contribute to the region's economic success. The LEPs played a crucial role in identifying and supporting local businesses, ensuring that the MEIF's investments aligned with regional priorities. MEIF is now transitioning into the Midlands Engine Investment Fund II (MEIF II), which is slated to launch in March 2024. MEIF II will continue to deliver £400m of investment into growing companies based in the Midlands. This continuation reflects the ongoing commitment to supporting SMEs in the region and addressing the persistent funding gaps. By providing a range of financing options, MEIF and MEIF II aim to enable businesses to scale up, innovate, and create jobs, ultimately contributing to the long-term economic prosperity of the Midlands.

SME growth, Small Business Loans, Debt Finance, Proof of Concept, Equity Finance

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