Companies and transformation projects: access to ICO financing through the 'España Crece' program

Order ECM/728/2026 approves the Investment Strategy for the 'España Crece' program, executed by the Official Credit Institute (ICO) using Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) funds. The program aims to strengthen the productive structure by financing projects with high transformation potential, promoting affordable rental housing, supporting environmentally positive investments, and assisting SMEs with growth capacity. ICO's intervention is justified by correcting market failures, providing patient and complementary capital to private banking.

For SMEs with growth potential, the programme provides financing for intangible assets such as digitalisation, innovation and training, where private credit is often limited or expensive. Businesses with productive transformation, environmental sustainability or affordable housing projects can access patient capital in minority positions to complement private investment. The programme fills a gap where the private financial system fails to meet the demand for economic transformation.