WB EDIF - Western Balkan Enterprise Development and Innovation Facility
The Western Balkans Enterprise Development & Innovation Facility (WB EDIF), funded by the EU in 2012, aims at improving access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Western Balkans. By supporting SMEs and the infrastructure surrounding them, WB EDIF contributes to the overall growth and development of the Western Balkans economies themselves.
WB EDIF brings together representatives from the Western Balkans economies as well as other core partners including the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Investment Fund (EIF) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) , as well as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Bank Group.
Access to finance is rated as one of the biggest constraints on businesses in the region today. WB EDIF enables access to finance for SMEs through bank loans extended at improved conditions (such as lower collateral and interest rates), often also to riskier categories of SMEs; access to targeted equity investment and support to foster the launch and development of high-growth and innovative SMEs. EDIF is mobilising approximately EUR 715 million of financing and support for SMEs. Around 4 600 SMEs have been supported by this scheme in the Western Balkans.
Besides financial support, WB EDIF also provides guidance and advice to SMEs on how to create and develop their businesses.
WB EDIF - How does it function for SMEs
Read more about WB EDIF options for financing in Serbia here