Access to Finance

Serbian enterprises of all profiles working in the food processing sector require appropriate financial resources to grow and expand their business. Financial opportunities for Serbian SMEs come from government institutions, USAID, European and other donor institutions (grant schemes and subsidized lines, particularly IPARD), commercial banking and alternative sources of funding (i.e. equity capital). The Project is working with partner institution on developing financial support models for enterprises of all profiles and customized to specific sectors. These support models will allow opportunities for training, knowledge transfer and information sharing between industry stakeholders in order for companies to fully utilize these financing options.

The Project’s activities are focused on:

1. Working with the relevant government stakeholders on attracting FDI to the sector

Agriscape – The Project aims to boost exports, stimulate innovation and drive investments to better position Serbia’s agriculture and food processing industry globally. In partnership with Serbian state representatives, the Project works to present the country’s potentials for investments in the agribusiness sector and establish contacts with international partners through participation at globally recognized investment-oriented trade fairs.

2. Raising general awareness about finance sources available in the market, in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce

Financial Awareness Raising – In partnership with the Serbian Chamber of Commerce, the Project organizes educational workshops and seminars and other forms of professional support services to increase SMEs’ knowledge about all available funding sources on the market, the optimal structure of these funds and steps SMEs need to take to make their credit applications and investment plans more viable.

3. Establishing new alternative financial mechanisms to support SMEs’ growth and expansion plans