EBRD & TBC Bank Secure $20 Million Loan to Empower Women-Led MSMEs in Georgia

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is supporting new finance via TBC Bank to strengthen micro, small, and medium-sized firms (MSMEs) managed by women in Georgia, with backing from the European Union (EU) and Sweden.

The EBRD is providing a US$20 million loan to TBC Bank, one of Georgia's largest banks, to help it boost its lending to women-led businesses, particularly those located outside the capital city of Tbilisi. Borrowers will be able to access cash in both Georgian lari and US dollars.

This financial effort is part of the EBRD's Women in Business (WiB) programme, which is funded by the European Union and Sweden. The WiB programme attempts to improve women's financial access by providing advisory services, mentorship, and training.

TBC Bank has been a part of the WiB programme since 2017, when it received a US$20 million loan that created the groundwork for the bank's gender-focused financing.

Under the European Fund for Sustainable Development Plus (EFSD+) guarantee programme, the EU is expanding this initiative for women-led enterprises even further. By offering powerful financial instruments and skills, this programme aims to empower MSMEs, improve their competitiveness, and encourage development.

The EBRD's Managing Director for Financial Institutions, Francis Malige, emphasised the significance of promoting an inclusive and sustainable economy and praised TBC Bank, the European Union, and Sweden for their continuous collaboration.

The unique synergy of EU financial instruments and technical assistance in improving financing to women-led MSMEs in Georgia was highlighted by Lawrence Meredith, EU Director for Eastern Neighbourhood and Institution Building.

TBC Bank's CFO, Giorgi Megrelishvili, expressed delight in the bank's long-standing collaboration with the EBRD and emphasised the good impact this new transaction will have for women-led enterprises, especially in the regions.

TBC Bank, a key subsidiary of the UK-based TBC Bank Group PLC, plays an important role in Georgian business, including retail banking, MSME finance, and corporate banking.

With nearly €5 billion invested in 287 projects, the EBRD remains a prominent investor in Georgia, contributing to private-sector development and the transition to a healthy, green economy.