Standard Window
GUARANTEE FOR ALL!
For any business, the ability to invest, expand operations or secure working capital depends largely on timely access to finance. For micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), this can be particularly challenging when collateral requirements, a lack of experience and credit history, or credit risk assessments limit their ability to obtain the financing they need.To address these challenges, the Kosovo Credit Guarantee Fund (KCGF) offers the Standard Window, established when the institution was founded in 2016. As a comprehensive guarantee window, it supports MSMEs operating in eligible sectors of Kosovo’s economy, addressing the needs of businesses that face difficulties in securing financing for investments and working capital.Through its credit guarantee, KCGF shares a portion of the credit risk with partner financial institutions, increasing their capacity to finance businesses and their investment and development plans. In this way, the guarantee helps overcome some of the barriers that may limit MSME financing, while the lending decision and borrower assessment remain the responsibility of the financial institution.The Standard Window therefore enables MSMEs to finance a range of business needs, from investments in business premises, equipment and capacity expansion to working capital. By supporting financing across a broad range of economic activities, it contributes to business growth and competitiveness, job creation and the strengthening of Kosovo’s private sector.
WHO CAN BENEFIT?
The Standard Window is available to MSMEs that meet the basic eligibility criteria
| CRITERION | REQUIREMENT |
|---|---|
| Business status | Micro, small or medium enterprise |
| Registration | Business registered with the Kosovo Business Registration Agency (KBRA) |
| Ownership | Privately owned |
| Number of employees | Less than 250 employees |
| Sector | Eligible sectors of the economy |
GUARANTEE FEATURES
The Standard Window combines flexibility in the use of financing with high loan limits and long repayment periods.
| CHARACTERISTIC | TERMS |
|---|---|
| Guarantee coverage | Up to 50% |
| Minimum loan amount | €3,000 |
| Maximum loan amount | €3,000,000 |
| Maximum guarantee amount | €500,000 |
| Maximum loan maturity | 120 months |
| Loan purposes | Working capital and capital investments |
ADDED VALUE
The benefits of the Standard Window extend beyond the guarantee itself. It creates value for both businesses and Registered Financial Institutions:
- Improved access to finance
- More favourable financing terms
- Reduced collateral requirements
- Support for investments and working capital
- Support for business development and
- sustainability
- Reduced credit risk
- Reduced cost of risk
- Opportunities to expand the loan portfolio
- Faster loan processing
- Expanded financing for strategic segments of the
- economy
The Standard Window connects businesses financing needs with financial institutions capacity to finance growth, sharing risk and creating more opportunities for investment and development.
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: