Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a major role in most economies, particularly in developing countries. Formal SMEs contribute up to 40% of national income (GDP) in emerging economies. In emerging markets, most formal jobs are generated by SMEs, which create 7 out of 10 jobs. However, access to finance is a key constraint to SME growth. This has been further aggravated due to the pandemic and the war on Ukraine.

The overall goal is to strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of SMEs. The SBIF applies a holistic approach, combining advisory and financing services to increase the contribution of SMEs for sustainable economic development. A special focus will be placed on women-owned SMEs, digital transformation and SME’s contributing to a green economy. This SECO contribution will be implemented via the three existing geographical SBIF windows: in Central Asia SBIF starts a second phase to continue key SME support in business advisory, financing and policy dialogue- in North Africa SBIF will start operations in advisory services and develop a transparent business advisory market for SMEs- and in South Caucasus SBIF will focus on business skills development and support the start-up ecosystem.

SME professional capacity is enhanced

SMEs show increased financial turnover

SMEs have access to external or EBRD finance (thereof % in local currency)

Number of jobs created and retained by SMEs increased

SME financing mobilized significantly (€ million)

Increased number of young people trained in work-based learning activities

CO2 emissions reduced by SMEs provided with access to capital

Quality and supply of existing local SME advisory services improved

Principaux résultats attendus:  

Number of consultancy projects with SMEs

Number of SMEs supported with professional business advicePercent of SMEs with access to capital through Outcome Linked Loans that adopted energy efficient technology

Percent of all SMEs receiving professional advice located in outside capital

Number of participants in trainings for SMEs

Number of participants in trainings for local consultants

Principaux résultats antérieurs:  

SECO attribution of results in Central Asia: KG, TJ, UZ (2015 - 2022)

USD 23 million of finance mobilized, of which USD 18 million in EBRD direct and co-financed loans

12’600 SMEs with better access to capital

3’600 jobs created by SMEs receiving SBIF advisory, of which 780 by women-led SMEs