Closing the financing gap
In Romania, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) create two-thirds of all jobs and contribute 50% of the country’s GDP. However, Romania has fewer SMEs than other countries in the European Union. It has only 29 SMEs per 1,000 people, whereas the Czech Republic, for example, has 115 per 1,000 people. Experts estimate that Romania’s SME sector needs around USD 33 billion in additional funding, creating a significant opportunity for investment.
RoCredit aims to help close this financing gap. Unlike traditional banks, RoCredit focuses on the SME sector, including startups and young companies, which often struggle to get loans. RoCredit offers working capital loans, such as invoice discounting, that help small businesses manage their cash flow while waiting for payments from large clients. With these services, businesses can pay their suppliers on time, keeping operations running smoothly.
Supporting growth
Irina Sarghi operates Enviro Construct, a construction company dedicated to building high-quality roads in rural areas. Reliable, durable road infrastructure is not just a necessity – it’s a catalyst for sustainable growth, driving economic opportunities and enhancing daily life for rural communities. “With RoCredit’s support, we have almost tripled our business since 2020, creating 20 new jobs and reaching a total of 80 employees. This steady growth, free from cash flow issues, also enabled new investments and plans for ten more jobs by 2026.”
Flexible and reliable
RoCredit’s customer-focused approach makes it different from other lenders. The financial institution offers a fast loan process, with average disbursement times of just 72 hours, thanks to a centralised and efficient decision-making system. This quick service and close client relationships make RoCredit a flexible and reliable partner for Romania’s SMEs.
RoCredit plans to launch a new digital platform to improve its services in 2025, making it easier for small businesses across Romania to access funding.
This investment by Triodos Fair Share Fund marks its first investment in an EU country, helping the fund expand into new regions while supporting businesses that drive real and sustainable economic impact.