The Women in Business Window aims to facilitate access to finance for women entrepreneurs and advance their financial knowledge. This support is expected to positively impact women’s financial security, empowerment, and independence.

This window 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 enables market positioning, expansion into international markets, job generation, and support for the economic development of our country.

A distinctive feature of this window is that, in addition to the financial component, it offers a non-financial component or technical assistance program for Women in Business, supporting them 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 credit guarantee coverage period
• MSMEs owned or co-owned by at least one woman, or managed by at least one woman in an executive position
• Registered MSMEs
• 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 35,000
• Maximum loan maturity: up to 84 months
• Loan purposes: long-term investments and working capital

Guarantee Characteristics

• Guarantees cover up to 70% of the loan principal
• Maximum loss coverage: 30%
• Guarantee type: Revolving

Benefits

For MSMEs

• Increased access to finance
• More favorable terms for women in business
• Potential preferential interest rates
• Reduced collateral requirements
• Faster loan application processing
• Business sustainability

For Registered Financial Institutions

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

Application and Decision Process

The potential borrower does not apply for a guarantee at KCGF, but rather applies for a loan at one of the KCGF-registered financial institutions. The financial institution conducts standard credit analyses following approval standards, and if the business meets KCGF criteria, the respective financial institution will place the loan under the KCGF credit guarantee scheme.