UniCredit mobilises €2.6bn in new financing for micro and SMEs

UniCredit has announced a new phase of its UniCredit for CEE initiative, mobilising more than €2.6bn in financing solutions for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises across Central and Eastern Europe through to the end of 2027.

The programme provides financing, advisory services and guarantee-backed solutions aimed at supporting innovation, sustainability and business growth across the region.

The latest expansion will utilise 35 guarantee lines from international financial institutions including the European Investment Fund, European Investment Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, alongside national development programmes. The funding will support businesses in Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Under the initiative, businesses will have access to financing with lower collateral requirements, pricing advantages and simplified processes. Dedicated advisory programmes will also be made available to support companies in developing and implementing growth strategies.

UniCredit said the scheme will focus on areas including sustainability and energy efficiency, digitalisation and innovation, strengthening local supply chains and promoting inclusive financing for entrepreneurs, including women- and youth-led businesses.

Since its launch in 2024, UniCredit for CEE has already delivered more than €2bn in lending under guarantee programmes, supporting over 18,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

More broadly, UniCredit banks across Central and Eastern Europe provided around €15bn in loans to approximately 430,000 micro and SME businesses in the past year.

Teodora Petkova, head of Central and Eastern Europe at UniCredit, said the additional financing would help expand access to funding across the region.

“The new €2.6 billion capacity, together with our European partnerships and enhanced distribution model, allows us to support thousands of entrepreneurs in their growth, innovation and green transition,” she said.

Petkova added: “This is fully aligned with our UniCredit Unlimited strategy, focused on accelerating quality growth, leveraging technology and empowering our people to deliver best-in-class solutions for our clients across Central and Eastern Europe.”