With support from the European Union (EU) and Sweden, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is unlocking fresh funds via TBC Bank for Georgian micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) led by women.

A US$ 20 million EBRD loan to one of Georgia’s largest banks will further expand TBC’s lending to women-led firms, with a focus on financing companies outside the capital city, Tbilisi. Borrowers will be able to access funds in Georgian lari or US dollars.

This loan is part of the EBRD’s Women in Business (WiB) programme, supported by the EU and Sweden. The WiB programme aims to boost women’s access to finance and know-how through advisory services, mentoring and training.

TBC Bank first joined the programme back in 2017 with a US$ 20 million loan, which laid the foundation for gender-focused financing at TBC.

The EU is further supporting the loan for women-led firms under its European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) guarantee programme. The EFSD+ financial inclusion programme is designed to empower MSMEs, fostering their competitiveness and growth. By offering strong financial tools and expertise, this programme aims to encourage intermediaries to direct new lending towards those businesses that need it the most.

Francis Malige, EBRD Managing Director for Financial Institutions, said: “Building an inclusive and sustainable economy remains one of the EBRD’s priorities, and women entrepreneurs are an important driver of economic growth in Georgia. With today’s signing, we look forward to seeing more female leaders bringing their business ideas to life, and would like to thank TBC Bank, the European Union and Sweden, for their ongoing partnership.’’