Europe's flagship programme for SME competitiveness
COSME (Competitiveness of Enterprises and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) is the EU programme dedicated to fostering economic growth and creating jobs through strengthening European SMEs. With a focus on improving access to finance, market access, and better business conditions, COSME has been a key driver of SME development across Europe.
Next Textile Generation, under the coordination of Finnova Foundation, has leveraged COSME funding to drive circular economy innovation in the textile and fashion sector. The CirCoAx — CircularInnoBooster programme is one of the flagship COSME-funded initiatives we coordinate, directly supporting 30 textile SMEs and startups.
COSME provides a range of financial instruments including loan guarantees and equity investments, as well as non-financial support such as mentoring, networking events, and access to the Enterprise Europe Network — the world's largest support network for SMEs with international ambitions.
What we do under COSME
Business Acceleration
Running the CirCoAx accelerator, which selects and supports 30 textile SMEs and startups to develop and scale circular business models.
Innovation Support
Helping SMEs develop innovative products, processes, and services that reduce waste and resource consumption across the textile value chain.
Market Development
Facilitating access to new European and international markets for SMEs with sustainable textile solutions and circular business models.
Cluster Collaboration
Building industry clusters and cross-sector partnerships that strengthen the European circular textile ecosystem.
Investment Readiness
Preparing SMEs to access financing instruments, including COSME loan guarantees and equity instruments, for scaling circular innovations.
Entrepreneurship
Supporting entrepreneurship education and training programmes targeted at the next generation of sustainable fashion entrepreneurs.
Access COSME funding for your SME
Find out how COSME funding instruments can help your textile or fashion business innovate and grow.