Start-Up Window

The Start-Up Window aims to facilitate access to finance for start-up enterprises through suitable financial products, to ensure the growth of newly established businesses and increase employment, thereby improving the living standards of the population.

This window targets start-up businesses engaged primarily in economic activities/sectors that require basic knowledge, referring to skills obtained through education, training, or previous work experience.

It is offered under favorable credit risk conditions to increase the confidence of Registered Financial Institutions in lending to this important market segment. Through financial support, it ensures market positioning, expansion to international markets, job creation, and contribution to the economic development of our country.

A special feature of this window is that, in addition to the financial component, it offers a non-financial component or technical assistance program to new businesses, providing support in:

• Capacity building (financial education and formalization)
• Networking
• Mentoring

Intermediaries

Banka Ekonomike Sh.A., Banka Kombëtare Tregtare, Banka për Biznes Sh.A., TEB Sh.A.

Which Businesses Qualify?

• Privately owned MSMEs with no government ownership during the loan coverage period by the guarantee
• Registered MSMEs
• MSMEs with experience from the date of registration up to 12 months
• At least one private citizen or permanent resident of Kosovo must own the business
• MSMEs with fewer than 250 employees

What Loans Qualify?

• Minimum loan amount: EUR 3,000
• Maximum loan amount: EUR 50,000
• Maximum guarantee amount: EUR 40,000
• Maximum loan maturity: up to 60 months
• Loan purposes: long-term investments and working capital

Guarantee Characteristics

• Guarantees cover up to 80% of the loan principal
• Maximum loss coverage: 40%
• Guarantee type: Revolving

Benefits

For MSMEs

• Increased access to finance
• More favorable terms for entrepreneurs who complete FKGK-offered training
• Potential preferential interest rates
• Collateral reduction
• Faster loan application processing
• Business sustainability

For Registered Financial Institutions

• Reduced risk cost
• Capital relief
• Full loss coverage
• Lower credit risk
• Increased loan portfolio
• Increased revenue from other product sales

Application and Decision Process

The potential borrower does not apply for a guarantee at FKGK, but instead applies for a loan at one of the FKGK-registered financial institutions. After conducting standard credit analyses and if the business meets FKGK criteria, the respective financial institution will place the loan under the FKGK credit guarantee scheme.