Small and medium-sized businesses in Crimea, Sevastopol, and nearby border regions such as Voronezh, Rostov, Belgorod, Kursk, and Bryansk have secured about 15 billion rubles in funds during the first half of the year through a special umbrella guarantee limit. This figure comes from the press service of the organization and highlights how the umbrella program is shaping loan activity in these areas.
The umbrella guarantee line is designed to provide elevated risk coverage for lending, making it easier for lenders to approve credit without requiring extensive collateral. By reducing the risk for banks, the program aims to support growth and investment across diverse sectors within these regions.
Alexander Isaevich, General Director of the SME Corporation, noted that the umbrella limit enabled entrepreneurs to sign more than 1,500 loan agreements. Of these, about 87 percent were directed at micro enterprises, underscoring strong activity among the smallest business players in the market.
According to Isaevich, almost 11.4 billion rubles were raised by companies in the border regions, while Crimea and Sevastopol accounted for more than 3.5 billion rubles. The data reflect a broad distribution of loans across industries and regions, signaling a broad-based demand for capital tied to the umbrella guarantee mechanism.
In Crimea and Sevastopol, the highest uptake of loans under the umbrella guarantee was seen among manufacturing, construction, and agricultural firms. Sectors such as construction, hospitality, and manufacturing were particularly active, illustrating how the guarantee line supports a mix of infrastructure, services, and production activities in these areas.
Earlier this year, the government-backed initiative received explicit backing from a high-level directive. A meeting with the General Director of the SME Corporation reaffirmed the commitment to extend support to small and medium-sized businesses located near border zones, reflecting a strategic focus on regional development and economic stability.
From the outset of the year, the SME Corporation has operated a dedicated umbrella guarantee limit that offers an enhanced level of risk coverage for loans to SMEs in border regions, Crimea, and Sevastopol. This approach aligns with broader national efforts to sustain SME activity in challenging geographic areas.
The umbrella guarantee program covers up to 50 percent of the bank loan amount, enabling entrepreneurs to secure financing even when collateral is limited. The guarantee can reach up to 1 billion rubles for terms extending up to 15 years, providing a long horizon for investment and growth projects.
Launched in 2021 under the auspices of the national project for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, the program represents a concrete step in government support for the SME sector. It embodies the aim to strengthen regional economies and create stable conditions for business development across diverse markets.