We are pleased to announce the launch of a new project, “SME-Rise: Empowering SMEs for Responsible Markets”

It is supported by European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) and funded by the European Union under its EU4Business initiative.  

SME-Rise is a practical, hands-on programme that helps agri SMEs prepare for financing, understand banking requirements, and implement environmental, social, and governance practices to access various sustainable finance products.

The project is implemented in several stages: 

1. The first stage involves completing a series of online training sessions in a convenient format, during which participants learn about bank requirements and relevant financing programmes, as well as local ESG regulations and best practices. The training also covers ESG risk categorization and its relevance for business operations.
2. The second stage is dedicated to the preparation of a package of environmental, social, and governance documentation and the development of environmental and social management systems for business activities. This includes policies, procedures, and supporting documents, as well as work on corrective action plans and the development of an individual documentation package for submission to banks. 
3. The final stage focuses on practical engagement with banks and facilitating access to finance. Participants will receive support in the preparing and submitting loan applications, as well guidance to successfully undergo assessments and due diligence conducted by financial institutions. 

Companies can join the SME-Rise project in one of the following ways: 

• by registering via QR code or the following link: https://forms.gle/fVDCEQ1on8eUxakU7 
• by contacting the project team directly: 
  [email protected] 
  [email protected] 
  +380 67 894 8108 
• through a partner bank, by providing a list of interested clients in a format convenient for the bank