Investment & Fund Management

The Western Balkan Enterprise Development and Innovation Facility (WB EDIF) was launched to address the significant challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Western Balkans, particularly their limited access to finance and the need for a supportive regulatory environment. The initiative aimed to foster the growth of innovative and high-potential companies while also establishing a regional venture capital market.

To tackle these niche issues, WB EDIF introduced a comprehensive set of measures, including the creation of the Enterprise Innovation Fund (ENIF) for early-stage equity financing and the Enterprise Expansion Fund (ENEF) for established high-growth SMEs. Additionally, the initiative provided SME loan portfolio guarantees to financial intermediaries, thereby improving access to bank lending and reducing borrowing costs for SMEs. A Technical Assistance Facility was also established to support beneficiary governments in implementing necessary regulatory reforms.

The results of the WB EDIF initiative were significant, with an initial capital of EUR 145 million expected to translate into over EUR 300 million of direct financing for SMEs in the region. This funding not only aimed to enhance the financial landscape for SMEs but also to stimulate economic development across the Western Balkans, ultimately contributing to the region's integration into the European Union.