Tim za socijalno uključivanje i smanjenje siromaštva

Startups and social enterprises, new business and beginner entrepreneurs, as well as civil society organizations and people at risk of poverty find financing by commercial banks inaccessible, or hard to access. These large groups of clients are traditionally underserved by banking services.

In order to support these clients, Erste Group is initiating the “Step By Step”, programme, with incentives for the financial inclusion of these groups of clients by offering them access to basic financial products, adequate financial advice and continued mentorship. The implementation of this initiative across all seven main markets for Erste Group will be completed by 2019, starting in Serbia with a programme targeting startups and social enterprises.

The start of the programme was preceded by the ceremonial signing of the microfinance guarantee agreement between Erste Bank and the European Investment Fund, as part of the EaSI programme for employment and social innovation. The event “Support Mechanisms for Startups and Social Enterprises” presenting the “Step By Step” programme for Serbia was held on 22 November 2016 at the Startit Centre in Belgrade.

Source: Erste Bank