Go Digital programme supports small businesses in North Macedonia
The first loan has been made available in North Macedonia under the Go Digital programme targeting small and medium-sized businesses in the Western Balkans. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is providing €4 million credit line to Sparkasse Bank Skopje to on-lend to SMEs for investments in digital and automation technology.
The funding is channelled through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), which in addition to EU grants also incorporates guarantees secured through the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+).
Driving competitiveness, sustainably
The Go Digital programme aims to drive innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable growth in the private sector. With a focus on fostering technological advancement, the programme will enable SMEs to embrace automation and digitalisation, ensuring they remain competitive in an increasingly digital landscape. Emphasising sustainability, a minimum of 50% of the investments will be green, and at least 30% targeted to regions beyond capital cities thus contributing to regional and rural development. Furthermore, the initiative promotes inclusive economic growth by ensuring women-led SMEs have equitable access to finance.
In practice, EBRD extends debt financing to SMEs through local commercial banks for qualifying investments. These credit lines are boosted by an EU-funded advisory service and cash-back incentives await SMEs upon successful completion and verification of investments. The incentives will prioritise high-performing technologies that are less present on the market, mitigating upfront costs.
By unlocking additional resources, businesses will be better positioned to align themselves with EU standards, expand their trade potential and increase their capacity to compete on a global scale.
European Union helps make investments more affordable
The agreement was signed by Mr. Sanel Kusturica, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sparkasse Bank, Ms. Zlatica Civkaroski, a member of the Board of Management of Sparkasse Bank and Mr. Fatih Turkmenoglu, Head of EBRD office in Northern Macedonia.
Fatih Turkmenoglu said: “Supporting SMEs in their digital and green transition is crucial for building a strong private sector. By promoting innovation and sustainability, we are also ensuring that businesses have enhanced access to finance and opportunities for growth. This initiative empowers SMEs to leverage automation and digitalisation, enhancing their competitiveness in both local and global markets, as well as inclusion to global value chains.”
Sanel Kusturica said: "We are committed to supporting innovation and sustainable growth. This collaboration reinforces our commitment to financial solutions that enable SMEs to thrive."
Western Balkans – Open4business
The Go Digital programme supports digitalisation, automation and competitiveness of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) across the Western Balkans. Emphasising sustainability, a minimum of 50% of the investments will be green, and at least 30% targeted to regions beyond capital cities thus contributing to regional and rural development. The WBIF contributes more than €27 million to the programme.
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The Go Digital is one of 19 programmes supporting SME development in the Western Balkans. Find out more during the dedicated event “Open4Business: Empowering MSMEs in the Western Balkans - Pathways to the EU” on 9 April 2025 in Belgrade, Serbia.
Register to attend in-person or online here: https://open4business-empowering-msmes-in-wb.b2match.io/
Discover all private sector support in the Blending and Guarantees booklet.
