EBRD, EU and Intesa Leasing: EUR 5 million to boost SME competitiveness
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Serbia will have access to an additional source of financing from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union (EU) through the company Intesa Leasing.
Funds in the amount of EUR 5 million will be lent by Intesa Leasing from the new credit line. This will enable Serbian businesses to invest in improving their working standards and processes. This will make them more competitive on local and European Union markets. The aim is to encourage SMEs to invest in the improvement of three key areas:
- environmental protection
- health and safety
- product quality
SMEs will also benefit from incentives within grants amounting to 15 percent of the total amount borrowed after the successful implementation of the project
A special focus will be on investments in green technologies. This will make it easier for SMEs to adapt to EU environmental standards. It will also improve their energy efficiency.
At least 60% of all loans will be directed to supporting investments in energy saving projects.
The new credit line is part of the Program for Improving the Competitiveness of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in the Western Balkans, within which the EBRD provides loans, and the European Union (EU) provides incentives and technical support. The aim is to help SMEs modernise their activities and take advantage of business opportunities in the Western Balkans region and the wider European market.
Izvor: BIZLife
Foto: Pixabay
