Hrvatska banka za obnovu i razvitak (HBOR) and the European Investment Fund (EIF) signed the Guarantee Agreement under the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) with the goal to encourage commercial banks to extend loans to micro-entrepreneurs, especially start-ups. The Agreement has been signed by Mr Vladimir Kristijan, the President of the Managing Board of HBOR, Martina Jus, the Member of the Managing Board of HBOR and Pier Luigi Gilibert, Chief Executive of EIF.

Following the CIP Guarantee Agreement, small companies will have easier access to loan funds due to significantly lower collateral requirements. At the beginning of autumn, HBOR will launch a new micro-loan programme that will be implemented under the CIP guarantee, owing to which bills of exchange and debentures or pledge on the financed equipment will be sufficient collateral. Loans will be approved with a tenor of up to 5 years, up to 1-year grace period included. Maximum amount of loan will be EUR 25 thousand in kuna equivalent value. The loan programme will be implemented through commercial banks having signed a co-operation agreement with HBOR.

By signing this Agreement, HBOR continues its active role in creating the preconditions for a facilitated access to funding sources for small entrepreneurs with an objective of promoting self-employment and entrepreneurship development.