Skip to main content

Before starting your application, let’s explore if your business and investment project can benefit from the EU4Business–EBRD Credit Line.

To understand our eligibility criteria, we will walk together through an example that illustrates how to check the eligibility for an investment project. Let us look at the case of ABC Ltd. Does it qualify for an investment incentive under this programme?

This step-by-step example shows how a typical MSME checks eligibility. It’s guidance only — the final eligibility of your investment project should be confirmed with a PFI and our advisory team.

Important!
This tool provides simplified guidance based on a typical case. Formal eligibility is defined by programme rules and verified by partner banks and the EBRD. Please review the full eligibility criteria before applying.

View full eligibility criteria
View full application steps

Step 1. Is your business an MSME?

Example
ABC Ltd.

23

employees

€4.000.000

annual turnover

Eligibility guidance:

What are the definitions for MSMEs under this programme?

  • MSMEs have fewer than 250 employees
  • Annual turnover below €50 million OR total assets below €43 million
  • Independent and privately owned
  • Comply with EBRD Environmental and Social Policy standards
Does ABC Ltd. align with the MSME definition?

Yes, with 23 employees and an annual turnover of €4 million ABC Ltd. meets the programme’s MSME definition. Let’s continue with the next step.

Learn more about Business Types we support or Talk to our Expert

Read about MSME definition
View full MSME eligibility criteria

Step 2. What sector is your business in?

Example
ABC Ltd produces
eco-friendly packaging.

The programme is open to most sectors, including:

  • Agribusiness (with total cultivated land area below 2 000 ha)
  • Food production
  • Manufacturing
  • Services, retail, logistics, storage
  • Transport
  • Construction
  • Hotels and restaurants
  • Medical sector
  • Energy
  • And others

Excluded sectors:

Arms, gambling, tobacco, financial services, fossil fuel-based technologies, mining, real estate speculation, land purchase, and other activities listed on the EBRD E&S Exclusion List.

Does ABC Ltd align with the sector eligibility rules?

Yes, as a manufacturer of eco-friendly packaging, ABC Ltd.’s aligns with the sector eligibility rules, as manufacturing of eco-friendly packaging is not listed on the EBRD Exclusion List.

If your activity is unusual or unclear, our advisory team can help. Learn more about Sectors we support or Talk to our Expert.

Step 3. Does your investment / project qualify?

Example
ABC Ltd plans to buy
a machine that reduces
operational energy
consumption by 20%.

Eligible investment types are diverse, they include:

  • Equipment or machinery upgrades
  • Energy-efficient / green technologies
  • Renewable energy equipment
  • Production / processing assets
  • Equipment that increases compliance with EU environmental, health & safety, and product quality directives
  • Rebuilding or replacing war-damaged assets
  • Among others
Does ABC Ltd.’s planned investment qualify under the programme?

Yes, the planned investment leads to increase energy efficiency. It is listed also listed in the EBRD’s Green Technology Selector.

If your project already benefits from other EU, national, or international grants, contact us to confirm eligibility Learn more about Projects we support or Talk to our Expert.

Step 4. Does your business qualify for additional incentives?

Example
ABC Ltd employs
war veterans.

Priority groups with additional incentives in Ukraine include:

  • Veteran-led / veteran-owned
  • Employing veterans
  • Businesses affected by war damage
Does ABC Ltd qualify for additional incentives?

Yes, since it employs war veterans, it can receive a higher investment incentive.

Your business may qualify for additional incentives based on its profile. Learn more about how these incentives work. Learn more about Priority Groups or Talk to our Expert.

View full incentive eligibility rules

ABC Ltd. has completed its eligibility check.

Based on the company profile and the planned investment, it qualifies for a 30% investment incentive.

Since the new equipment costs €250,000 and the company has taken a €250,000 loan from one of the PFIs to finance this investment, it will receive a grant payment of €75,000 (30% of €250,000) financed by the EU.

This significantly reduces the effective investment cost.

This example is for illustration purposes to help you familiarise yourself with our eligibility rules. Please contact us if you have any further questions.

What to do next?

You’ve explored the key eligibility criteria. Here’s how to move forward.

Explore application pathways

Read about MSME definition
View full MSME eligibility criteria
Find a Partner Bank
 Talk to an Expert