The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the European Union are expanding support for Montenegro’s green economy transition by launching their SME Go Green programme in the country. The programme provides dedicated credit lines through local partner banks along with technical assistance to help small and medium-sized enterprises plan and prioritize their green investments.
Small businesses in Montenegro can access loans plus grant incentives worth 10% of the loan amount, with higher incentives of 15% for renewable energy and agribusiness projects. The EU will finance both the grant incentives and technical assistance, helping SMEs cut energy waste, improve efficiency, and meet EU standards.
The programme aims to make Montenegrin businesses more competitive by reducing operating costs and carbon footprints. Remon Zakaria, EBRD’s Head of Montenegro, said the initiative will help local SMEs improve productivity while becoming more competitive in local and EU markets through green investments.
Yngve Engstrom from the EU office in Montenegro said small businesses are important for economic growth. “We are proud to support this program with the EBRD, which brings €145 million in funding to help SMEs in the Western Balkans with green innovation, farming businesses, and competitiveness,” he said, noting the program’s special focus on women-led companies.
The programme already operates in other Western Balkans countries and will provide €120 million in targeted SME financing across the region initially, growing to €400 million over the coming years. Montenegrin SMEs can now access financing through Crnogorska komercijalna banka and NLB Banka Podgorica under the programme.
