Small business and digital transformation get a support from EBRD in Serbia

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) offers a new financing package of up to €50 million for ProCredit Bank Serbia to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of Serbia’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
The package includes €40 million to support Serbian SMEs and €10 million to drive digital transformation and automation of local businesses.
It also promotes innovation, competitiveness and gender inclusion in Serbia’s SME sector.
The Financial Intermediaries Framework provides the first loan with at least 30 per cent of the funds dedicated to green investments. The Go Digital in the Western Balkans program gives the second loan.
As a result, SMEs in Serbia will grow easier with the help of the new funding. The advantage is that these businesses will create most of the country’s jobs and economic value. Nevertheless, they will often struggle to access long-term financing. Also, the adoption of EU standards, energy efficiency will be promoted by the finance package. Moreover, gender inclusion will cause capacity building for women-led businesses.
According to Aleksandra Vukosavljević, EBRD Director for Financial Institutions in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe, it is vital for the country’s sustainable economic development to support the growth and digital transformation of Serbia’s SMEs. She says that they help businesses get access to the long-term funding and expertise they need to innovate, become more competitive and accelerate their green transition with this new financing. Other goals are empowerment of women entrepreneurs and promotion of inclusive growth. Strong track record and commitment to responsible banking make ProCredit Bank Serbia’s an ideal partner for delivering real impact on the ground.
As Igor Anić, President of the Executive Board of ProCredit Bank, says, this new financing package from the EBRD further strengthens their long-term commitment to supporting SME growth in Serbia. It will expand access to financing for businesses across the country, with at least 30 per cent dedicated to green investments. Simultaneously, the additional €10 million from the Go Digital program will help accelerate the digital transformation and automation of local companies. Also, the cooperation with the EBRD will deepen. Moreover, SME development will become more sustainable and competitive due to jointly promote innovation.
The EBRD and ProCredit Bank Serbia are long-standing partners and leading SME lenders in the country. They serve over 6,000 clients with a strong focus on green finance and digital innovation.
Also, the EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Serbia. It has invested more than €10 billion through more than 400 projects. Most of these projects have supported the private sector. Enhancing private-sector competitiveness, productivity and access to finance are the Bank’s priorities in Serbia.

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