Export Window
GUARANTEE FOR EXPORT GROWTH!
The Export Window is a KCGF guarantee scheme designed to support exporting enterprises in Kosovo by facilitating access to finance for investments and working capital related to export activities. Launched in late 2022 with support from the USAID Compete Activity, it is primarily backed by capital from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and KfW, with Sida providing counter-guarantee support. It aims to strengthen the capacity of Kosovo businesses to compete in international markets.
For a business seeking to enter new markets or expand exports, access to finance is essential to increase production capacity, secure working capital and meet international market requirements. Through its credit guarantee, KCGF shares part of the risk with partner financial institutions, increasing their capacity to finance manufacturing and service enterprises with export potential.
This window aims to improve access to finance, support investments and working capital, promote domestic production and exports, and contribute to greater competitiveness and economic development.
WHO CAN BENEFIT?
The Export Window is intended for MSMEs that engage in or seek to expand export activities and meet the eligibility criteria.
| CRITERIA | REQUIREMENT |
|---|---|
| Business status | Micro, small or medium enterprise |
| Registration | Business registered in Kosovo |
| Ownership | Privately owned |
| Number of employees | Fewer than 250 employees |
| Business profile | Manufacturing and service businesses |
| Focus | Businesses with export activities or export potential |
GUARANTEE FEATURES
The Export Window offers terms tailored to the needs of exporting MSMEs, enabling financing for investments and working capital and providing greater guarantee capacity
| FEATURE | TERMS |
|---|---|
| Guarantee coverage | Up to 50% |
| Minimum loan amount | EUR 3,000 |
| Maximum loan amount | EUR 3,000,000 |
| Maximum guarantee amount | EUR 1,000,000 |
| Maximum credit exposure | EUR 7,000,000 |
| Maximum loan maturity | 120 months |
| Loan purposes | Working capital and capital investments |
ADDED VALUE
The Export Window creates value both for MSMEs seeking to expand their export activities and for financial institutions financing businesses targeting international markets.
- Improved access to finance
- More favourable financing terms
- Reduced collateral requirements
- Support for investments and working capital
- Support for expansion into international markets
- Reduced credit risk
- Reduced cost of risk
- Opportunities to expand the loan portfolio
- Faster loan processing
- Opportunities to develop financial products for the export segment
The Export Window connects the ambition of Kosovo businesses to compete in international markets with financial institutions' capacity to support their growth. By sharing risk with KCGF, it creates more opportunities for investment, production and export expansion.
HOW THE GUARANTEE SCHEME WORKS
KCGF has no direct contact with borrowers.
Communication with the borrower takes place through the Registered Financial Institution.
Responsibilities and monitoring
KCGF operates on the premise that the RFI will conduct an appropriate credit risk assessment and verify the eligibility of the borrower and the loan.To monitor and oversee the performance of each participating RFI, KCGF has developed two monitoring mechanisms: