WB EDIF (Western Balkans Enterprise Development and Innovation Facility)

Financing growth and innovation for SMEs across the Western Balkans.

The Western Balkans Enterprise Development and Innovation Facility (WB EDIF) is an EU-funded initiative that provides loans, guarantees and equity financing to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Albania and across the Western Balkans. WB EDIF mobilises approximately €715 million to support around 4,600 SMEs through three main instruments: the Enterprise Innovation Fund (ENIF) for early-stage ventures, the Enterprise Expansion Fund (ENEF) for growth-stage companies, and the Guarantee Facility for SMEs needing loans up to €500,000. The programme works through local financial institutions (such as ProCredit Bank and Raiffeisen Bank in Albania) to deliver tailored financing solutions with reduced collateral requirements, helping SMEs expand, modernise, innovate and create jobs.

Opportunity details

Albania participation status: Participating as a beneficiary country in the Western Balkans

Who is it for? Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, micro-enterprises, growth-stage companies

Typical funding type:

Loans with guarantees (up to €500,000 per SME)

Equity financing (€100,000 – €2,000,000 per company)

Investment incentives (up to 30% of eligible investment)

Typical budget range:

Guarantee Facility: €50,000 – €500,000 per loan

Equity funds: €100,000 – €2,000,000 per investment

Total facility: €715 million mobilized (2021-2027)

Key partners in Albania: ProCredit Bank Albania, Raiffeisen Bank Albania

Where to apply or learn more

WB EDIF – For Entrepreneurs

WBIF – WB EDIF

Webalkans – WB EDIF