The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a comprehensive financial package worth up to €40 million for AikLeasing, enabling the company to improve access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Serbia and support investments in green technologies and sustainable business practices.
The financial package comprises two loans: a €30 million loan under the EBRD’s Financial Intermediaries Framework (FIF) for SMEs, and a €10 million loan under the SME Go Green programme. AikBank, as the owner of AikLeasing, is providing guarantees for both loans.
Through this financing, AikLeasing will expand lending to small and medium-sized enterprises, with a special focus on women-owned firms, agricultural producers and firms operating outside the capital. At the same time, this loan is intended for investments in the improvement of productivity and competitiveness, harmonization with European and international standards, and at the same time it is expected that at least 30 percent of the funds will be directed towards green investments. In this way, the competitiveness and resilience of the SME sector will be further strengthened, while improving their access to long-term financing.
A loan within the SME Go Green program will ensure investment in energy-efficient technologies, as well as support for business alignment with international standards. All financing under this program should qualify as green investment and be aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement.
At least one-third of this funding will be earmarked to support value chains in agriculture and the food industry, while women-owned firms will have access to special support and advisory services.
Within the SME Go Green program, after the successful implementation of investment projects, small and medium-sized enterprises will be entitled to grants from the European Union in the amount of 10 percent of the loan value, while for investments in renewable energy sources and value chains in agriculture and the food industry, grants will amount to 15 percent of the loan value. In addition to these incentives, small and medium-sized enterprises will be able to count on technical support financed by the EU, which will help them to prioritize and structure their business priorities.
AikLeasing, founded in 2024, has significantly expanded its operations in a short time, reaching a net portfolio of 130 million euros and more than 900 clients throughout Serbia. AikLeasing provides leasing solutions for various types of assets, including commercial vehicles, passenger vehicles, agricultural machinery and construction equipment.
EBRD is one of the leading institutional investors in Serbia. To date, the Bank has invested more than 11 billion euros in Serbia through more than 410 projects, with a strong focus on strengthening the competitiveness of the private sector, sustainable infrastructure, investments in the green economy and the development of the financial sector.