This credit line is intended to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Bosnia and Herzegovina on their path to digital transformation, helping them improve their competitiveness, operational efficiency, and market resilience. The funds from this new credit line will enable SMEs to invest in digitalizing their businesses, including purchasing software and hardware solutions, upgrading information systems, enhancing digital security, and automating processes. In addition to financing, businesses will have the opportunity to access grants worth 10% of the loan amount, funded by the European Union, further encouraging the implementation of digital solutions.
Digitalization as a Key to SME Competitiveness
At the signing of the agreement, Amir Salkanović, CEO of ProCredit Bank, emphasized the
importance of continuing this program for the domestic economy:
"In the first phase, we witnessed numerous examples of small and medium-sized enterprises
making excellent use of the EBRD's Go Digital credit line and successfully improving their
operations. Digitalization is an inseparable part of the future and a crucial prerequisite for
competitiveness in the market. Investments in new technologies and automation not only
strengthen the resilience of companies but also enable long-term growth and development. We
continue to work to ensure that such programs are available to as many companies as
possible, as SMEs are the foundation of economic stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina," said
Salkanović. Francis Malige, Director of Financial Institutions Business at EBRD, discussed EBRD's
activities in the financial sector of Bosnia and Herzegovina and key initiatives for the
upcoming period with the management of ProCredit Bank. This is the third such line EBRD
has implemented with ProCredit Bank, reflecting mutual trust and the growing demand for
this type of financing in the country.
"We are pleased that through the Go Digital program, we can support small and medium-sized
enterprises in their digitalization process. This is not just an investment in technology; it is an investment in people. By enabling businesses to adopt automation, digitalization, and
sustainability, we create opportunities for growth, competitiveness, and innovation. This
initiative strengthens economic resilience and ensures equal access to resources, including
support for businesses managed by women. Our goal is to build a future where companies in the Western Balkans will thrive in an increasingly digital and green environment," said
Malige.
How Go Digital Works
The "Go Digital in the Western Balkans" credit line opens significant opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises to invest in the digitalization of business processes. In addition to financing investments, EBRD, upon verifying the investment, allows a return of up to 10% of the loan amount. For example, if a company that meets the criteria for a small or medium- sized enterprise invests 100,000 BAM in a machine that will enable or enhance the process of automation or digitalization, it can expect a return of 10,000 BAM. This amount often covers the costs of the loan and a significant portion of interest expenses. The application process is simple, involving the completion of a form and submission of an investment plan. The loan is approved through the standard procedure of ProCredit Bank, with additional support from EBRD consultants, making it easier for clients to access funds and successfully implement digital projects. This phase of the Go Digital in the Western Balkans program is part of a broader initiative by EBRD and the European Union for the digital transition of the economy in the region. The program is being implemented with the support of additional advisory and technical services, which will help small and medium sized enterprises use available funds more effectively and achieve better results in digitalization.
