📋 Tender Overview
International Cooperation Tbilisi
Embassy of Switzerland
12 Shalva Radiani Street
0179 Tbilisi
Georgia
Phone
Headquarters +995 322 75 30 02
Headquarters +995 322 75 30 01
Headquarters tbilisi@eda.admin.ch
Rural Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Georgia face significant challenges that hinder their access to capital, technology adoption and entry into new markets. This project leverages Switzerland's expertise in finance and SMEs to address these issues. The aim is to strengthen the resilience and growth of SMEs by improving their access to a wider range of better business support services, ultimately increasing income and employment opportunities for rural women and men.
Country/region Topic Period Budget
Georgia
Employment & economic development
nothemedefined
Business support & economic inclusion
SME development
01.01.2025 - 31.12.2028
CHF 4’050’000
The project in brief
Background At first glance, macroeconomic indicators suggest growth in Georgia's SME sector. However, deeper analysis and insights from Phase 1 reveal structural inefficiencies that hinder the sector’s overall performance and sustainability. Despite some improvements in access to finance, SMEs face persistent challenges in effectively deploying and managing accessed capital. These challenges are compounded by limited access to technology and markets, which are essential for sustainable SME growth. Particularly rural SMEs struggle with low formalization, workforce shortages, and difficulties in accessing export markets, further exacerbating their ability to compete and contribute to Georgia’s economic stability.
Objectives The goal of the project is increased and more predictable income and jobs for SMEs and employees.
Target groups Direct beneficiaries will be national agencies, business associations, consultancies and other BSS providers. Their capacities will be enhanced to more efficiently and effectively facilitate SME access to finance, technologies and markets. End Beneficiaries will be rural SMEs: at least 1,750 SMEs will benefit from additional income, reduced costs and/or improved resilience to withstand challenges or disruptions such as market adaptability, operational continuity, technological adaptation.
Medium-term outcomes The project will pursue the following two outcomes:
Rural SMEs grow sustainably and become more resilient through Business Support Services (BSS) and Access to Finance (A2F).
Market players provide sustainable BSS to improve financial management practices, market access and A2F of SMEs.
Results Expected results:
Enhanced financial literacy and management capacities of rural SMEs
Enhanced access to market for SMEs
Improved investments in technology and productive assets
Capacities of national agencies, lead firms, business associations, consultancies and other sector players are increased and aligned with rural SME needs and demand
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