Erste Bank Serbia and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) have signed a new loan agreement to support the digital transformation and automation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Serbia. This additional credit line, worth up to 5 million euros, is part of the Go Digital program, supported by the European Union.
The program aims to provide SMEs with easier access to financing for digital projects, addressing challenges like limited funding and lack of capacity to adopt industry best practices and innovations. It focuses on automation and digitization to boost productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness. Besides financial support, Go Digital offers technical assistance and advisory services to help companies plan and implement their digital investments. Successful investments may qualify for EU grants covering up to 15% of the loan value.
Jasna Terzić, President of the Executive Board of Erste Bank Serbia, emphasized the link between sustainability and digital transformation, highlighting the bank’s commitment to offering both financial support and strategic guidance to help companies meet EU standards and strengthen their market position.
Aleksandra Vukosavljević, EBRD Director for Financial Institutions in the Western Balkans and Eastern Europe, noted that digital transformation is essential for business development. She praised the program’s combination of financing, grants, and technical assistance as key to helping SMEs adopt modern technologies and improve operations, thus enhancing local economic competitiveness and resilience.
Through this partnership with the EBRD and the EU, Erste Bank reinforces its role as a reliable financial partner, promoting sustainable growth by linking green and digital initiatives to support Serbian companies in aligning with contemporary European trends.
