Starting August 9, applicants can seek financing for investment projects through a new preferential program designed to support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Under this initiative, eligible SMEs can access loans at annual rates ranging from 3.0% to 4.5%. This favorable rate structure aims to lower borrowing costs and expand the spectrum of feasible investment opportunities for growing firms across diverse sectors. [Source: Ministry of Economic Development]
The lowered interest rates are expected to improve the accessibility of credit for SMEs, serving as an important catalyst for business development and economic transformation. By reducing financing barriers, the program can help SMEs accelerate modernization, expand production capacity, and enhance competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. Industry observers note that easier access to capital may also stimulate job creation and value-added activity across regional economies. [Source: Sberbank press briefing]
In practice, the new initiative will integrate the existing interest-rate subsidy mechanism within the SME national project with the broader concessional financing offered under the loan incentive framework. This combination is intended to streamline support and maximize the effectiveness of government-backed financing for small businesses pursuing meaningful expansion and innovation. [Source: Ministry of Economic Development]
Earlier communications from the economic leadership highlighted a pilot rollout of a commercial loan program, with the program’s scale projected to reach up to 50 billion rubles by year’s end. The plan identifies priority sectors where the program is expected to have the most impact, including manufacturing, agricultural processing, logistics, and hospitality management. Stakeholders emphasize that the pilot phase will help refine eligibility criteria, implement smoother disbursement processes, and ensure transparent stewardship of funds. [Source: Ministry of Economic Development]