EBRD financing for Şekerbank supports women- and youth-led entrepreneurship

• EBRD providing financing package to Türkiye’s Şekerbank
• Financing will deliver inclusive growth for Turkish economy
• Package will include guarantees funded by EU (EFSD+) and Türkiye

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing a financing package of up to €60 million to Şekerbank – one of the leading backers of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Türkiye – to advance financial inclusion and foster economic opportunities for women- and youth-led businesses across the country.

The financing will be split evenly between (i) funds to be lent on to women-owned or -led SMEs under the Türkiye Women in Business II (TurWiB II) programme and (ii) funds for on-lending in support of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises that are managed or majority-owned by individuals under the age of 35 through the Türkiye Youth in Business (TurYiB) programme.

This transaction will be supported by first-loss risk cover from the European Union (EU) through its European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) Growth4All guarantee, as well as a guarantee from the Turkish Ministry of Treasury and Finance through its Credit Guarantee Fund (KGF).

This partnership will play a key role in addressing persistent barriers to finance for women- and youth-led entrepreneurship, particularly in underserved regions and among first-time borrowers, aligning with the EBRD’s strategic goals in advancing inclusivity in economic participation.

Şekerbank, which was established in 1953 and is known for its extensive branch network and its commitment to sustainable and inclusive banking, will leverage this financing to expand its support for women- and youth-led businesses, contributing to job creation, economic growth and social inclusion in Türkiye.

Oksana Yavorskaya, the EBRD’s Deputy Head of Türkiye, said: “This partnership with Şekerbank demonstrates our ongoing commitment to fostering inclusive and competitive economies. By empowering women and young entrepreneurs, we are helping to unlock Türkiye’s full economic potential and drive sustainable development.”

Fatma Nur Çetinel, Executive Vice President of Treasury and Financial Institutions at Şekerbank, said: “This important source of funding will support women-led SMEs and young entrepreneurs in strengthening their investments and increasing their production and employment potential. Considering the critical role of SMEs in the Turkish economy, we believe that this financing, which will reach businesses operating particularly in Anatolia, will also make a significant contribution to regional development. With our pioneering role in sustainable and inclusive banking and the funding we have acquired from development-oriented international financial institutions, we will continue to enhance access to finance."

The EBRD is one of Türkiye’s key investors, with more than €23 billion committed through 510 projects since 2009, largely in the private sector.