Favourable lending conditions and professional support of Raiffeisen bank for young entrepreneurs

• Awarding of the Raiffeisen/EBRD SME Future Builders Academy certificates and launch of the EBRD Youth in Business program

(Sarajevo, 26.03.2026) – An event titled "We grow with Raiffeisen" was held at the premises of Shop Circle BH, marking the end of the Raiffeisen/EBRD SME Future Builders Academy and the benefits of the Youth in Business (YiB) EBRD program were presented. 

"In addition to structured advisory support, within the YiB program we offer customers a carefully designed combination of financial solutions with favourable terms with the aim of strengthening their capacities, creating the prerequisites for their long-term success and sustainable growth, but also strengthening the entire economic community," said Lars Frankemölle, CEO of Raiffeisen Bank.

Raiffeisen Bank's offer within the EBRD Youth in Business program includes loans intended for legal entities managed by persons under 35 and with up to 250 employees. Customers have access to loans for financing investments and loans for permanent working capital, and they can find detailed information about the terms and offers on the Bank’s website.

Event participants had the opportunity to learn about the offerings of the YiB program, which provides young entrepreneurs with access to customised advisory support and financing for business growth. A special part of the program was an interactive session, where Academy participants shared their experiences, challenges and successes, providing inspiration, as well as practical advice. As a highlight of the event, certificates were awarded to participants of the Raiffeisen SME Future Builders Academy, marking the successful completion of the program that enabled young leaders from the SME sector to develop key financial, leadership and digital skills. 

"We are proud of the strong results of our partnership with Raiffeisen Bank in supporting young entrepreneurs in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Many young business leaders face barriers in accessing financing, skills, and networks. Through the Youth in Business program, we address these challenges by combining dedicated credit lines with high-quality advisory support. Today's awarding of certificates at the SME Future Builders Academy highlights the talent, ambition and resilience of young entrepreneurs across the country. Their success shows why investing in youth-led businesses is key to innovation, job creation and long-term growth. We thank Raiffeisen Bank and our donors for their strong commitment, and we will continue to help young entrepreneurs in building companies that are ready for the future", said Stela Melnic, director of the EBRD for Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Raiffeisen Bank, in strategic partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), implemented the Future Builders Academy for SMEs, part of the broader EBRD Youth in Business program, supported by the European Union, Sweden, Italy and Luxembourg, through the EBRD Small Business Impact Fund (donors include Italy, Ireland, Japan, Luxembourg, Norway, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Business – EBRD Technical Cooperation Fund, the United Kingdom and the United States).