ProCredit Bank signs the SME Initiative agreement
ProCredit Bank, as an experienced and specialised bank for SMEs, has officially signed the SME Initiative Programme with the European Investment Fund (EIF). Based on this agreement, ProCredit Bank will further support SMEs by granting credit facilities within the EUR 40 million ceiling on advantageous terms, such as reduced interest rates and improved collateral requirements, as the EIF guarantees will cover 60% of the loan facility without any additional cost for the clients.
“Our experience so far shows that Romanian SMEs are focused on innovation and new technologies for increasing efficiency and productivity, thus aiming to develop their businesses. It is part of our bank’s objective to support these companies, which are the backbone of the economy, and to that end, we have been constantly striving to become a reliable partner to them, by providing, in a responsible way, customised solutions and high quality services that best meet their needs. The signing of this agreement reflects the shared goals of both ProCredit Bank and the EIF and the joint commitment to support SMEs,” said Mariyana Petkova, Deputy General Manager of ProCredit Bank.
As a partner of the EIF for the JEREMIE and InnovFin programmes, ProCredit Bank granted more than EUR 100 million to SMEs, which benefited from European resources for growing their businesses. Given its prior experience with these EU programmes, ProCredit Bank has already managed to grant the first loans to SMEs under the SME Initiative.
About ProCredit Bank
ProCredit Bank, the only bank in Romania with 100% German shareholders, is part of the ProCredit group and has been active on the Romanian market since 2002. ProCredit Bank is a development-oriented commercial bank, offering excellent customer service to both small and medium enterprises and to private individuals. In its operations, the bank adheres to a number of core principles: transparency in its communication with customers, a conservative approach towards consumer lending, striving to minimise its ecological footprint and providing services which are based both on an understanding of each client’s situation and on sound financial analysis.
In its operations with business clients, the focus is on small and medium-sized enterprises, as it is the bank’s firm conviction that these businesses create jobs and make a vital contribution to the economies in which they operate.
ProCredit Bank’s shareholders expect a sustainable return on investment over the long term, rather than being focused on short-term profit maximisation, by offering convenient, straightforward and accessible banking services and by promoting a culture of saving and financial responsibility.
| About EIF |
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The European Investment Fund (EIF) is part of the EIB Group. Its central mission is to support Europe’s micro, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) by helping them to access finance. EIF designs and develops venture and growth capital, guarantees and microfinance instruments which specifically target this market segment. In this role, EIF fosters EU objectives in support of innovation, research and development, entrepreneurship, growth, and employment.
| About the EIB |
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The European Investment Bank (EIB) is the EU’s long-term lending institution and is owned by the EU Member States. It makes long-term finance available for sound investment, contributing to growth, jobs, regional convergence and climate action in Europe and beyond.
To maximise growth and job creation, the EIB targets four priority areas: innovation and skills, SMEs, climate action and strategic infrastructure across the EU.
Press contact:
Andreea Pop
E-mail: andreea.pop@procredit-group.com
Tel.:+40.21/201.60.75