The SME Finance Facility for Central Asia – Phase 2
Implementing organisation: European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)
Duration: Jan 2018-Dec 2028
Project budget: Total budget €49,510,000
EU contribution: €7,850,000
Project partners: Partner financial institutions, SMEs, consultants
Location: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan
Keywords: SME access to finance, first loss guarantee, business advice
Contract number: 2017/ 388-545
Project Description
The project is set up to support local SMEs though finance and business advice.
Access to finance remains a challenge for small and medium-sized companies in the region. The EU funding in the form of a guarantee helps the EBRD to increase its financing to local companies. Beyond finance, SMEs also require access to the right expertise in order to improve their internal operations, innovate effectively and expand. The TA provided by the EU allows SMEs to obtain business advice from local consultants and international industry advisers. From quality certification to strategy, marketing, financial management or energy efficiency, this expertise equips enterprises with the right tools to help take their business to the next level.
Main target groups
Local SMEs in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
Expected results
Increased amount of EBRD direct financing to and improved competitiveness of SMEs.
Achievements to date: new EBRD direct financing of €19.2 million; 134 local companies have received support with their capital expenditure decisions, also to improve management, market performance and automation.