I need financingI need loan financing
Looking for a loan to invest in your business or cover working capital? Find out which banks work with EU-backed financial instruments.
How does EU-backed financing work?
The European Union does not provide loans directly to businesses. Instead, EU-backed financing is available through partner banks in Armenia. Depending on the programme, businesses may benefit from investment loans, working capital financing, loan guarantees, preferential lending conditions or grants linked to a loan.
Where should I start?
If you are looking for financing, contact one of the participating partner financial institutions:
Each institution offers different financial products and eligibility criteria, so it is worth contacting more than one bank before making a decision.
What should I ask the bank?
When speaking with a loan officer, ask whether the bank currently offers any EU-backed or international partner-supported SME financing programmes. You may also wish to ask, which financing products are currently available, whether preferential lending conditions, guarantees or incentive grants are included, whether your business or investment project is eligible, which documents are required, and how long the application process usually takes.
Speak with a loan officer before preparing a business plan or other application documents. Banks may have different application procedures, document templates and eligibility requirements.
Looking for larger investments?
While most SMEs should start by contacting a partner bank, some international financial institutions, such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), may also support larger businesses through direct investment, trade finance and other financing programmes. Businesses with substantial investment projects can explore opportunities directly on the EBRD website. For more details, please contact the Armenia SME Finance and Advice Facility team, namely Zara Ohanyan at ohanyanz@ebrd.com.
I am looking for grants
Discover organisations managing EU-funded grant programmes for SMEs, innovation, agriculture, women entrepreneurs and social enterprises.
Grant opportunities for SMEs are not available on a permanent basis. They are launched periodically by organisations implementing EU-funded projects, so businesses should regularly monitor their websites and social media channels for new calls, and subscribe to newsletters where available.
Current organisations that may offer grant opportunities
Austrian Development Agency (ADA)
ADA implements several EU-funded programmes supporting SMEs in Armenia. Current opportunities may be available through R2D Syunik, focusing on regional business development and economic resilience, and EU-GAIA II, supporting green agriculture, sustainable production and market access.
Businesses should follow ADA’s website and Facebook page for the latest updates and open calls. For programme-specific enquiries, SMEs can also contact the project teams directly:
- R2D Syunik: Jaroslaw Zarychta – jaroslaw.zarychta@ada.gv.at
- EU-GAIA II: Paschalis Bokkers – paschalis.bokkers@ada.gv.at
Armenian Caritas
Armenian Caritas supports entrepreneurship and livelihood development, particularly for displaced people, host communities and local businesses, through EU-funded projects. Monitor their Facebook page on a regular basis.
Contact: Lusine Stepanyan – l.stepanyan@caritas.am
Other organisations to monitor
EU-funded SME support projects change over time. Depending on the programmes being implemented, grant opportunities may also become available through:
Businesses are encouraged to follow these organisations for announcements of new EU-funded projects and open calls.
I want to grow my business
Looking for expert advice, training, export support or startup opportunities? Explore programmes and organisations that help SMEs grow, innovate and expand into new markets.
The European Union supports Armenian SMEs through organisations providing business advice, export support, incubation, acceleration, mentoring and access to international markets. Most programmes are offered through open calls, so businesses should regularly check the organisations’ websites and social media channels for new opportunities.
Current organisations that may offer business development and export opportunities
International Trade Centre (ITC)
ITC supports SMEs looking to become more competitive and expand into international markets. Depending on the programme, businesses can receive support with export readiness, EU market requirements, standards and certification, export marketing, buyer matchmaking and participation in international trade fairs. Businesses should monitor ITC and EU for Armenia announcements for new opportunities.
Programme contact: Lilit Apujanyan – lapujanyan@intracen.org
Plug and Play Armenia
Plug and Play Armenia operates incubation, pre-acceleration and acceleration programmes helping startups validate products, prepare for investment and expand internationally.
Businesses should follow Plug and Play Armenia for announcements of upcoming cohorts and open applications.
Programme contact: Sona Grigoryan – s.grigoryan@pnptc.com
EU4Innovation East
EU4Innovation East supports startups, incubators and innovation ecosystems across the Eastern Partnership countries. Open calls may include incubation, acceleration, investment readiness, international networking and market access.
Businesses should regularly monitor EU4Innovation East and EU for Armenia for new opportunities.
TUMO Labs
TUMO Labs supports technology startups through incubation, mentoring and practical business development programmes focused on product development and investment readiness.
Businesses interested in collaboration or partnership opportunities can follow the Facebook page and contact Bella Vasilyan at bella.vasilyan@tumo.org
IRIS Business Incubator Foundation
IRIS BI provides incubation, acceleration, mentoring, business training and access-to-finance support for entrepreneurs and SMEs. It also implements business support activities under EU-funded projects. Businesses should monitor IRIS BI’s website and social media channels for open calls.
Contact: Narine Terzyan, Executive Director – narine.terzyan@irisbi.am
Impact Hub Armenia
Impact Hub Armenia provides incubation, acceleration, mentoring, investor-readiness support and international networking opportunities. Support is delivered through specific programmes rather than on a continuous basis, so businesses should monitor open calls on the organisation’s website and social media.
Contact: Tijay Jeghelian – tijay.jeghelian@impacthub.net
Other organisations worth knowing
While the organisations below do not currently deliver EU4Business support directly, they may provide useful business services, networking opportunities or information on national support programmes.
Enterprise Armenia
The country’s one-stop shop for investors and businesses, providing investment facilitation, business establishment support and information on government programmes.
Ministry of Economy
Coordinates national programmes supporting business development, industrial modernisation and export promotion.
European Business Association Armenia
Provides business networking, advocacy, market intelligence and international business connections.
Before getting in touch, prepare a short description of your business and be ready to explain what kind of support you are looking for.
