UniCredit unveils €2.3bn financing initiative for SMEs across CEE

UniCredit has announced an initiative to bolster micro and small businesses across Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Under its new framework, “UniCredit for CEE 2025,” the bank is dedicating €2.3 billion in favourable financing solutions, building on the success of its 2024 program that supported over 9,300 businesses with more than €2 billion in funding.

The launch was made during The Central & Eastern European Forum in Vienna, a premier gathering of over 2,000 financial sector stakeholders from more than 45 countries.

“CEE is a strategic region of growth for Europe and UniCredit,” said Teodora Petkova, Head of UniCredit for Central and Eastern Europe.

“We are a strong and reliable partner, supporting our clients through innovative initiatives like UniCredit for CEE, as we seek to deliver on our purpose to empower the communities that we operate in to progress.”

The initiative aligns with UniCredit’s vision to foster a competitive and sustainable CEE region. Recognising that SMEs contribute significantly to employment and GDP but face challenges like lower productivity, UniCredit is working to bridge gaps in access to funding, innovation, and advisory services.

The comprehensive UniCredit for CEE 2025 program is designed to address financial, operational, and advisory needs through:

Favourable financing:

Access to over €2.3 billion through 57 programs with 20+ international partners, including the European Investment Bank (EIB), European Investment Fund (EIF), and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
Benefits include reduced collateral requirements, pricing advantages, and special account conditions.

Account management:

Tailored solutions such as fee waivers for third-sector organizations and bespoke welcome packages for new clients.

Advisory services:

Workshops, mentoring, and development programs to help businesses adopt sustainable practices and embrace innovation.

Despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, UniCredit’s macroeconomists project that CEE economies will outpace Western Europe, with growth between 2% and 3% in 2025. Domestic demand and tight labour markets are expected to drive this growth, with employment rising primarily in the service sectors.