Ameriabank has signed USD 25 million Loan Agreement with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) aimed at financing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and women-led businesses.

As part of the financing package Ameriabank will receive funds under the Women in Business (WiB) programme for on-lending in local currency to women-led SMEs. The programme combines financing, technical assistance, risk mitigation in the form of first-loss cover for local financial institutions and business advisory services to support women-led SMEs. Technical assistance and advisory services are jointly funded by the European Union (EU) and Sweden.

There will be additional financing to support the development of the local micro, small and medium size enterprises (MSMEs).
Ameriabank will also receive funds under the EU4Business-EBRD credit line, supported by the European Union (EU), for on-lending to local SMEs with export potential for investments in upgrading technologies and services to the EU standards while promoting the use of green technologies.

Artak Hanesyan, CEO of Ameriabank commented: “Ameriabank is honored to continue developing its valuable partnership with EBRD. Within the scope of this new cooperation, we will support SMEs to invest in new technologies thereby enhancing SMEs’ competitiveness and environmental protection. We will also provide long-term financing to women led businesses within EBRD’s WiB programme. Promoting female entrepreneurship and women’s engagement in business in general is important for realizing our country’s full economic potential by creating new jobs, enhancing productivity and growth.”

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About EBRD
The EBRD is a multilateral bank that promotes the development of the private sector and entrepreneurial initiative in 38 economies across three continents. The Bank is owned by 67 countries as well as the EU and the EIB. EBRD investments are aimed at making the economies in its regions competitive, inclusive, well-governed, green, resilient and integrated. 
The EBRD is a leading institutional investor in Armenia. The Bank has invested more than €1.51 billion in 189 projects in the country’s financial, corporate, infrastructure and energy sectors, with 88 per cent of those investments in the private sector.

About EU4Business-EBRD Credit Line
The EU4Business-EBRD Credit Line is a flagship initiative helping local companies increase their competitiveness at home and abroad by upgrading their production facilities and processes to the EU standards. The companies will be able to improve working conditions of their employees and foster environmental sustainability. At least 70 per cent of the loan proceeds will be used to finance investments in green technologies in accordance with the EBRD Green Economy Transition (GET) approach. Borrowers are eligible to receive incentive grants and technical advice, both funded by the European Union under its EU4Business initiative.

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About Ameriabank CJSC
Ameriabank is the largest financial institution and a major contributor to the Armenian economy, with assets exceeding AMD 1 trillion. Being a dynamically developing universal bank, Ameriabank provides a large package of innovative banking services through its omni-channel distribution platform and with clear focus on digital products. Ameriabank is committed to doing business responsibly and advancing Armenia’s transition towards a sustainable future.
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