The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a financing package of up to €60 million for Şekerbank, one of Türkiye’s leading lenders to small and medium-sized enterprises. The funding is aimed at improving access to finance and creating stronger economic opportunities for businesses led by women and young entrepreneurs across the country. The financing will be divided equally between two dedicated programmes.
One half will be provided under the Türkiye Women in Business II programme, which supports SMEs that are owned or led by women. The other half will be allocated through the Türkiye Youth in Business programme, focusing on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises that are managed or majority-owned by individuals under the age of 35.
Together, these programmes are designed to address financing gaps faced by groups that often find it difficult to secure credit, particularly in the early stages of business growth. The transaction is backed by strong risk-sharing support. It benefits from first-loss risk cover provided by the European Union through the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus Growth4All guarantee. In addition, the Turkish Ministry of Treasury and Finance is supporting the financing through a guarantee issued by the Credit Guarantee Fund. These guarantees help reduce risk for lenders and make it easier for businesses to access much-needed funding.
This partnership is expected to play an important role in reducing long-standing barriers to finance for women- and youth-led businesses, especially in underserved regions and among first-time borrowers. It closely aligns with the EBRD’s broader strategy of promoting inclusive economic participation and ensuring that more people can benefit from growth and development.
Founded in 1953, Şekerbank has a long-standing presence across Türkiye, supported by an extensive branch network and a strong focus on sustainable and inclusive banking. The bank will use this financing to expand its lending to women and young entrepreneurs, supporting business investment, job creation, and wider economic and social development.
Commenting on the initiative, Oksana Yavorskaya, the EBRD’s Deputy Head of Türkiye, said the partnership highlights the bank’s commitment to building inclusive and competitive economies. She noted that empowering women and young business owners is key to unlocking Türkiye’s economic potential and supporting long-term, sustainable growth.
Fatma Nur Çetinel, Executive Vice President of Treasury and Financial Institutions at Şekerbank, said the funding will help women-led SMEs and young entrepreneurs strengthen their investments and increase production and employment. She emphasized the importance of SMEs in Türkiye’s economy and noted that the financing will particularly benefit businesses in Anatolia, contributing to regional development.
She added that Şekerbank will continue to expand access to finance through its focus on sustainable and inclusive banking and its cooperation with international development finance institutions. The EBRD remains one of Türkiye’s most significant international investors. Since 2009, it has committed more than €23 billion across 510 projects, with a strong emphasis on supporting private sector growth and economic transformation.
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