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

Bratislava, September 11, 2024 – Slovak Investment Holding (SIH) is reopening the Call for Financial Institutions to participate in the new guarantee financial instrument aimed at supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and other selected priorities, originally launched on March 7, 2024. The renewed call introduces modifications to certain conditions of the original call, particularly changes to the applicable state aid regime and availability of financial instrument components.

The financial instrument consists of a portfolio guarantee provided by NDF III in favor of financial institutions that will originate 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.

The objective of this instrument is to support investment development in the business sector, including SMEs, large enterprises, and entities from the research and development sector, with a focus on boosting innovation potential, implementing modern green technologies and digitalization, conducting R&D, and ultimately enhancing the competitiveness of the Slovak economy.

This call is intended for financial institutions interested in participating in the implementation of this guarantee instrument who did not take part in the original call launched on March 7, 2024  (LINK: Výzva). Expressions of interest must be submitted in accordance with the procedure outlined in the call and sent to vyzvy@sih.sk by October 15, 2024. Detailed information about the financial instrument is available in the call and related documentation below.

Financial institutions wishing to participate in this call are also required to take part in the framework call for SIH’s new financial instruments, announced on March 7, 2024 (LINK: Rámcová výzva), if they have not already done so.