Building modern, sustainable and profitable SMEs in Armenia

Through loans and grants, the EU4Business-EBRD Credit Line supports a wide range of projects that increase the competitiveness and capacity of Armenia´s SMEs in the EU as well as in their home markets

Align with EU Directives through smart investments, unlock access to EU markets and increase your export capacity

We support the Green Economy Transition! Prioritize investments in Green Technologies for responsible environmental performance, cost reductions, and to meet customers’ demands

Invest now in the modernization of your facilities for superior products and services quality and increase your profitability

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What is the EU4Business-EBRD Credit Line?

- A joint initiative of EU and EBRD that helps Armenian SMEs finance investments in equipment and facility upgrades.
- A programme that combines loan/leasing finance, free technical assistance and cash-back incentives financed under the EU4Business initiative.
- An initiative designed to support Armenia’s SMEs align their businesses with EU Directives and increase their product/service quality and enhance their environmental responsibility.
- A facility that supports open market access for Eastern Partnership (EaP) countries like Armenia and enabling SMEs to improve their competitiveness.
- A mechanism for Armenian businesses to increase their export potential and use their relatively low cost base to compete successfully with other companies in the large EU and regional markets.

Flexible Programme – 3 Loan Types

Pre-Approved Technologies

For simple equipment upgrades up to €300,000,
based on our List of Eligible Technologies (LET).
A cash-back incentive of up to 10% applies.

Complex Approach

For investments up to €3 million for almost any
business in almost any sector.
A cash-back incentive of up to 15% applies.

Simplified Approach

Fast track process for SPS and food safety
for investments up to €300,000.
A cash-back incentive of up to 15% applies.

Who can Apply?

Armenian companies that are:

- At least 51% privately owned and privately run
- Operating in a sector that can be open to export
- Registered in Armenia, operating primarily in Armenia, and operating in accordance with the laws of Armenia
- SMEs as per EU definition (fewer than 250 employees and a turnover of less than €50 M or less than €43 M of total Balance sheet, not more than 25% by shareholders that exceed the SME criteria), and/or
- Classified as Individual entrepreneurs or sole proprietors
- Meeting the usual financing appraisal criteria of a Partner Bank or Partner Financing Institution
- In compliance with the EBRD’s Environmental and Social Policy

Value-added Benefits

Affordable –The 10%–15% cash-back incentive reduces the cost of financing your investment

Flexible – Available for any investment that helps your company meet EU directives, thereby increasing your market potential and your profitability

Predictable – Financing is available in foreign currency or in AMD with tenures of 3 to 5 years

Simple – No stringent eligibility thresholds (e.g. no minimum IRR)

Quality focus – All eligible investments improve the product quality while expanding your market access at home and abroad

Reduced cost base – Most eligible investments reduce energy and resource consumption, lowering your cost and increasing your competitive advantage

Green image – Many eligible investments reduce pollutants such as greenhouse gas emissions

Free expert support – Simple procedures combined with free technical advice offered by a team of experts that help you pave the way to new markets