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 Azerbaijan. 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 banks:
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.
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 sources of information include:
European Union Delegation to Azerbaijan
Publishes information on EU-funded projects and funding opportunities for businesses.
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
Some advisory and investment programmes include grant support alongside consultancy services. Follow the EBRD social media page for regular updates.
World Bank
Supports projects promoting economic development, competitiveness and private sector growth.
Businesses should also monitor the EU Funding & Tenders Portal for new calls for proposals and funding opportunities.
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.
Business development services in Azerbaijan focus on helping SMEs become more competitive, innovative and sustainable.
Several programmes currently support SME development in Azerbaijan.
EU4Business & EBRD Advice for Small Businesses
Provides business consulting, digital transformation support, green transition advice and programmes for women entrepreneurs.
Email: knowhowazerbaijan@ebrd.com
Phone: +994 (12) 497 1014
Rural Business Information System (RBIS)
Supports agricultural businesses by improving access to market information and strengthening rural entrepreneurship. Implemented by AKIA in cooperation with KOBIA.
Website: akia.gov.az, rbis.az
SME enquiries (KOBIA): malahat.kazimova@smb.gov.az, zaur.gardashov@smb.gov.az
Phone: +994 12 404 04 01
LEF Network Azerbaijan
Helps companies establish international partnerships, particularly in ICT, green technologies and design. Project specifically designed to build trade partnerships between mature SMEs in Finland, Estonia, and Latvia (the LEF countries) and companies in Azerbaijan.
Local strategic partner in Azerbaijan: Caspian Energy Club
Official Export Cluster Platform: export-cluster.eu/azerbaijan
Small and Medium Business Development, Investment, and Export Promotion Agency
Provides export support and promotes the Made in Azerbaijan initiative.
There is currently no active EU-funded export project, but new opportunities may become available. Businesses are encouraged to monitor the Agency’s website for updates.
“From Us to Business” (“Bizdən Biznesə”) Startup Competition
Organised in partnership with AccessBank and supported by Visa, this annual competition supports local innovators and micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. For details of the next competition, follow KOBIA and AccessBank pages for announcements.
