The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of GEL 270 million (about US$100 million) to Georgia’s TBC Bank to give small businesses better access to affordable financing, the bank announced. The funding will focus on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), especially those led by women and businesses investing in green, sustainable practices.
Under the agreement, 70 percent of the loan will go to MSMEs, with at least 20 percent dedicated to women-owned enterprises and 30 percent to projects that fit the National Bank of Georgia’s green taxonomy.
“MSMEs are the backbone of the Georgian economy, and we’re committed to helping them grow,” said ADB’s Country Director for Georgia, Lesley Bearman Lahm. “This partnership with TBC Bank will support inclusive, sustainable growth and help the private sector create more jobs.”
The project will make it easier for MSMEs to access longer-term, stable financing to expand their businesses. It also aims to support Georgia’s climate targets by helping small firms invest in low-carbon, climate-resilient technologies. To build TBC Bank’s green finance expertise, ADB will provide an additional US$250,000 in technical assistance for training and tools to evaluate the environmental impact of borrowers.
“We are grateful for our long-standing partnership with ADB,” said Vakhtang Butskhrikidze, TBC Bank’s CEO. “This investment will help us deliver more long-term funding to small businesses across Georgia, especially women-led and sustainable enterprises.”
TBC Bank plans to use its extensive branch network to expand financing in rural areas, helping boost local incomes and job opportunities.
The initiative aligns with ADB’s 2024–2028 strategy for Georgia, which emphasizes private sector growth, small business development, and environmentally sustainable investment. Since 2007, ADB has provided more than US$5 billion in support to Georgia, including around US$1 billion for private sector projects.
