Our core themes

Many different factors contribute to the creation of a diversified, high-performing and resilient business.

To maximise the impact of our work, we seek to incorporate all these factors into all our programmes, promoting smart, sustainable and inclusive growth.

Innovation

We encourage innovation by helping clients to adopt the latest technologies, improve production processes, strengthen services, broaden product ranges and introduce new ways of thinking. As well as helping clients to make their own breakthroughs, we enable companies to accelerate their growth by adopting innovative practices and building links with local institutions, government, businesses and customers.

Access to finance

Securing finance is one of the biggest challenges for small and medium-sized businesses. We help small businesses develop to a point where they can attract investment. When they reach this phase, we can support them to create business plans, undertake feasibility studies and bring their financial management up to the necessary level. We can direct clients to the most appropriate sources of financing, either from the EBRD or through our relationships with financial institutions and investors. Post investment, we help clients to achieve their goals, make the right capital investments, improve corporate governance and manage growth.

Regional development

We support clients outside major cities to overcome problems of logistics, product quality or lack of market knowledge that may prevent them from reaching larger markets. Around half of our projects are with businesses located outside of capital cities.

Resource efficiency and environment

Inefficient energy consumption and poor environmental management are common in many of the countries in which we work. We help our clients to address in a cost-effective way key issues of energy efficiency, renewable energy and environmental protection. Because there is often a limited supply of expertise in resource efficiency, we work hard to build this know-how among local consultants.

Inclusion

Promoting the inclusion in business of women, young people and disadvantaged groups is vital to realise the full economic potential of any country. For women entrepreneurs in particular, we offer comprehensive business support programmes that provide training and longer-term coaching as well as business advice. Our Women in Business programmes have launched the careers of many successful entrepreneurs, from designers to software developers and from retailers to construction company managers, turning their ventures into durable businesses.