At a certain stage, the business owner is faced with the question: How and where it is possible to get financial support in order to expand the business and ensure its further development?

The implementation of the state program of affordable loans has demonstrated its relevance for Ukrainian entrepreneurs. But the demand for such services today far exceeds the supply and so search of financial receipts is still a pressing issue for business. Additional resources in the market of these services may be provided by international financial institutions specifically created to support and develop business.

On December 21, an online meeting was held between experts from DIA and Proparco, the French institution for financial development, founded by the French Development Agency (AFD). Proparco plays a key role in the French mechanism of international cooperation: financing and supporting investment projects and businesses in developing countries.

Matthieu Hanau, Proparco’s investment officer, noted that Ukraine, as a fast-growing market and the Dnipropetrovsk region as one of its leaders, are of particular interest to international investors.

Since 2018, 2 projects have been implemented on the territory of Ukraine, which have received financial support from Proparco. A €43 million loan for the construction of a 250 MW wind farm, as well as a $12 million investment in Horizon Capital’s EEGFIII fund. The activities of this fund are focused on investments in the share capital of Ukrainian SMEs.

Proparco financial tools offer the following cooperation options for enterprises in the region:

1. Senior loan with maturity of 5 to 20 years in the amount of 10 to 100 million dollars;
2. Direct investment in the share capital of the enterprise (acquisition of a minority stake – up to 20%) in the amount of 3 to 10 million dollars;
3. Indirect equity investments in the amount of 5 to 10 million dollars.

In order to use these financial tools, the company must operate in the following areas:

• renewable energy;
• agro-industrial complex;
• banks and microfinance;
• health care and education;
• building materials;
• infrastructure.

Enterprises of the region that meet the criteria for cooperation and are interested in financing from Proparco can receive professional counselling and informational support on further steps by contacting the specialists of the Dnipropetrovsk Investment Agency.

More information about Proparco is available in the presentation at the link.

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