Support to microentrepreneurs in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, as in most other European countries, certain groups – including migrants, Roma, rural microentrepreneurs, young people, women and seniors – face significant barriers to starting or growing their businesses. These challenges range from limited financial literacy and inadequate professional networks to high borrowing costs and scarce market opportunities.

To support these disadvantaged groups, the CEB has joined forces with the EU and SIS Credit, Bulgaria’s largest private non-banking microfinance institution. SIS Credit provides microentrepreneurs with tailored business development services and affordable microloans, thanks to joint support from the EU and the CEB.

The CEB granted SIS Credit a €3 million loan in 2024, enabling the institution to expand its lending to microentrepreneurs. The CEB loan was made possible by a guarantee from the EU through its InvestEU initiative. The EU is also funding the mentoring and interest rate subsidies on the microloans through a €600 000 grant from its European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) through the InvestEU programme.

iStock-1695288106 Support to microentrepreneurs in Bulgaria
© iStock / Luca Prestia