Call for expression of interest for financial institutions to implement a guarantee instrument to support SMEs

Bratislava, March 7, 2024 – Slovak Investment Holding (SIH) announces a Call for Financial Institutions to participate in a new guarantee financial instrument aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other selected priorities.

The financial instrument consists of a portfolio guarantee provided by NDF III in favor of financial institutions, which will create and manage a portfolio of loans covered by this guarantee. The instrument also includes an additional aid component for clients in the form of a special repayment of a portion of the principal of the underlying loan.

This instrument is designed to support investment development in the business sector—including SMEs, large enterprises, and entities from the research and development sector. It emphasizes the promotion of innovation potential, the adoption of modern green technologies and digitalization, and the implementation of research and development activities, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of the Slovak economy.

This call is intended for financial institutions interested in implementing this guarantee instrument, which have already joined the framework call for new SIH financial instruments (LINK: Rámcová výzva). Expressions of interest must be submitted in accordance with the procedure outlined in the call and sent to vyzvy@sih.sk by April 22, 2024. More detailed information about the financial instrument can be found in the call and the relevant documents below.