The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has announced new support measures aimed at strengthening women’s entrepreneurship in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The initiative seeks to improve access to finance and business development opportunities for women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), helping female entrepreneurs expand their businesses and contribute to the country’s economic growth and job creation efforts.
As part of the programme, the EBRD is partnering with local financial institutions to provide dedicated financing solutions for women-owned and women-led businesses. The initiative combines financial support with advisory services, training, and capacity-building activities designed to help entrepreneurs improve business management, competitiveness, and long-term sustainability. The programme reflects the EBRD’s broader commitment to promoting inclusive economic development and reducing barriers faced by women in the business sector.
Women entrepreneurs in Bosnia and Herzegovina often face challenges in accessing credit, investment opportunities, business networks, and professional mentorship. The EBRD noted that limited financial inclusion and structural barriers continue to affect the growth potential of many female-led enterprises. Through this initiative, the organization aims to address these gaps by supporting financial institutions in developing products and services tailored specifically to the needs of women entrepreneurs.
The programme is also expected to encourage innovation, digital transformation, and business resilience among SMEs operating in various sectors of the economy. By supporting women-led enterprises, the initiative seeks to increase economic participation, promote gender equality, and strengthen local business ecosystems. The EBRD emphasized that empowering women entrepreneurs can generate broader social and economic benefits, including higher employment levels and stronger community development.
The support initiative forms part of the EBRD’s wider efforts across the Western Balkans to foster inclusive growth and sustainable economic opportunities. The organization continues to work with governments, financial institutions, and development partners to create a more supportive environment for entrepreneurship and private sector development throughout the region.
