The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has approved a financing package of €4 million for Intesa Sanpaolo Banka Bosnia and Herzegovina. The funding is aimed at supporting environmentally sustainable investments in the residential sector, improving access to finance for young entrepreneurs, and strengthening women-led businesses across Bosnia and Herzegovina. Out of the total amount, €2 million is being provided under the Western Balkans Green Economy Financing Facility. This loan will be channelled to the residential sector to support investments that improve energy efficiency and reduce energy consumption.
The funding will be available to a wide range of beneficiaries, including individual homeowners, housing associations, property management companies, service providers, manufacturers and suppliers of green technologies and materials, construction firms, and public sector entities. Eligible borrowers who successfully complete their projects may receive incentive grants of up to 20 per cent of their loan value, funded by the European Union. In addition, technical assistance for project preparation and implementation will be supported by the European Union and Japan to ensure effective execution.
A further €1 million will be provided through the Western Balkans Youth in Business programme. This loan will support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises that are owned or led by young people. The initiative is designed to address the financing challenges faced by young entrepreneurs, who often encounter obstacles such as limited collateral, a lack of credit history, or insufficient business experience. By improving access to finance, the programme seeks to encourage youth entrepreneurship and contribute to job creation and economic inclusion.
Another €1 million is being extended under Phase II of the Western Balkans Women in Business programme. This funding will be directed towards women-led micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, with the aim of promoting women’s participation in the business sector. The programme focuses on improving access to finance and strengthening business capabilities, helping women entrepreneurs grow and sustain their enterprises.
In addition to financial support, the Youth in Business and Women in Business programmes also provide tailored advisory services to young and women entrepreneurs. These services help business owners and managers develop essential skills, improve operational performance, and identify new opportunities for growth. The advisory support is backed by the European Union and the governments of Sweden, Luxembourg, and Italy, with Sweden’s contribution provided through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency and Italy’s support delivered through the Central European Initiative.
The loan agreements were signed by Stela Melnic, Director of the EBRD for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Michele Castoro, President of the Management Board of Intesa Sanpaolo Banka, and Minja Filipović, a member of the Management Board. Commenting on the agreement, Stela Melnic said that the EBRD is strengthening its commitment to inclusive and sustainable finance in Bosnia and Herzegovina by supporting green investments alongside women and young entrepreneurs. Michele Castoro noted that the partnership with the EBRD will enable the bank to further support energy efficiency projects and businesses led by women and young people, contributing to long-term economic development.
Intesa Sanpaolo Banka Bosnia and Herzegovina is the country’s fifth-largest bank. Headquartered in Sarajevo, it provides services nationwide through digital banking platforms and a network of 43 branches. The EBRD’s Women in Business and Youth in Business programmes are supported by the European Union, the Austrian Federal Ministry of Finance, and bilateral donors through the Western Balkans Investment Framework, and are implemented in cooperation with the Energy Community Secretariat. Since beginning operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1996, the EBRD has invested €3.4 billion in 254 projects. The Bank’s priorities in the country include advancing the green economy, supporting private sector competitiveness, and promoting regional integration.
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