Project Description
This DEM 40 million facility will provide credit lines to local banks to extend loans to local small and medium- sized enterprises (SME) in the tourism and associated sectors. A €5.1 million loan has been extended to the first participating bank under the facility, the Bulgarian American Credit Bank (BACB). The size of the sub-projects will be between DEM 0.2 and 2 million.
The Project will aim to provide long-term financing to the Bulgarian SMEs. A substantial proportion of the funds are expected to be disbursed to companies operating in the tourism sector.
Transition Impact
SMEs play an important role in promoting private sector development and driving growth in transition economies. A critical obstacle in the development of the tourism sector in Bulgaria has been the limited access to long-term financing. The facility will act as a model for other businesses in supporting post-privatisation restructuring and encouraging private ownership.
The Client
The facility will be extended to selected Bulgarian banks. The first participating bank under the facility is the Bulgarian American Credit Bank, a Bulgarian bank, wholly owned by the Bulgarian American Enterprise Fund (BAEF). Since 1992 the BAEF and BACB have been amongst the very few sources of long-term finance to SMEs in Bulgaria.
EBRD Finance
The first loan provided under the facility is a €5.1 million senior loan with seven-year maturity.
Project Cost
DEM 40 million for the Facility.
€5.1 million for the Loan to BACB.
Environmental Impact
The participating banks will follow the EBRD's Environmental Procedures for Local Banks in relation to all sub-loans financed through the credit line. In implementing these procedures, the banks will assess potential environmental issues associated with sub-projects, which are required to comply with local/national health, safety, environmental and public consultation requirements and with World Bank environmental guidelines applicable to the tourism sector.
Technical Cooperation
€70,500 was approved for carrying out a market study of the Bulgarian tourism sector.
Company Contact
Business opportunities
For business opportunities or procurement, contact the client company.
For state-sector projects, visit EBRD Procurement: Tel: +44 20 7338 6794
Email: procurement@ebrd.com
General enquiries
EBRD project enquiries not related to procurement:
Tel: +44 20 7338 7168
Email: projectenquiries@ebrd.com
Public Information Policy (PIP)
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Text of the PIP
