The Network for Regional SME Finance, FinNetSME, is a network project designed to encourage an intensive exchange between regional public financiers on how to improve access to finance for Small and Medium Size Enterprises (SMEs). To this end, 20 partners from nine EU Member States will discuss current problems of SME finance, compare the situation in their respective regions and will suggest practical ways to bridge the market gap in SME finance, with or without public funding. In order to create the broadest possible basis for the discussion the range of participants in the network’s events will also include actors who are not formal Project Partners. They will be able to take part in the network as Associated Partners. The project will contribute to a greater awareness of the value of regional access to finance in the partners’ regions. Through the establishment of enhanced co-operation among partners and other stakeholders, the project will make it easier for regional governments to gain expertise in facilitating access to finance through their specialised institutions.