EBRD extends support for SMEs in Greece

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Athens Stock Exchange (ATHEX) are extending their support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Greece through the SME Pre-listing Support Program.

The program, funded by the Greek government through the Technical Cooperation Fund of the Hellenic Republic and the EBRD, started in May 2019with the goal of stimulating activity on the local capital market and increasing the investment readiness of Greek SMEs for their integration into the Athens Stock Exchange or the issuance of corporate bonds, providing them with consulting services.

After the successful completion of the first cycle of the program, the EBRD and the ATHEX are starting a new cycle and are inviting interested SMEs to submit applications through the special website.

The program is open to financially viable businesses, headquartered in Greece, from a wide range of sectors, with a turnover between € 5 million – € 50 million or up to € 43 million in total assets, employing fewer than 500 persons.

SMEs are a key part of the Greek economy. Through the program they will have the opportunity to receive personalized consulting services and technical support in business, administrative and development issues, as well as in issues related to the capital markets such as corporate social responsibility, communication, valuation, etc. for a period of up to 18 months, to upgrade their investment capacity according to international standards.

The companies will be evaluated in terms of their readiness to raise funds from the capital market and based on this evaluation, a detailed plan will be developed and executed in accordance with local and international know-how. The EBRD will bear 85% of the cost of the services provided while companies will contribute the remaining 15%.

The EBRD and the ATHEX have scheduled an online information meeting for Thursday 30 June 2022 for all interested parties. Companies wishing to learn more about how the capital markets can offer an alternative way of financing and how the program can help them, or those who wish to express their interest in the information meeting, can contact the EBRD directly by sending an email to prelistinggreece@ebrd.com.