Member's Documents
Evaluation of the Small Business Initiative Phase I
Published by: Independent Evaluation Department, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
The Bank established the Small Business Initiative in 2015 to support small enterprises by consolidating the SME-related products offered by the EBRD. The initiative provides loans and investments through financial institutions and risk sharing facilities, as well as direct financing to small businesses. In addition to financial support, the Bank offers access to expertise by providing advice to small enterprises, helping them innovate and become more competitive. This combination of financial and advisory support aims to enhance the growth and sustainability of small businesses. Since then, the SME Finance and Development (SME F&D) and Financial Institutions (FI) business groups have been primarily responsible for managing and delivering SME-related products under the Small Business Initiative.
The Small Business Initiative is soon reaching its 10-year mark and needs to respond to changes in EBRD’s strategic directions, particularly the expansion to Sub-Saharan Africa. It is therefore a good time to take stock and learn. To maximise the usefulness of the evaluation and considering the on-going transformation of the Bank's SME-related activities as well as the Board timeline for Small Business Initiative's Annual Review and Priorities, a phased approach has been taken to provide findings in a timely manner while offering a full-fledged evaluation of the Small Business Initiative.
Additional Documents
Evaluation of the Small Business Initiative Phase I Management Comments
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