UMAEF Launches New $50 Million Direct Investment Program into SMEs in Ukraine and Moldova
October 29, 2024, Kyiv, Ukraine. Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF) is thrilled to announce the launch of a new $50 million Direct Investment Program dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ukraine and Moldova. This initiative is a vital step towards empowering local businesses by providing the capital they need to grow, innovate, and contribute to the long-term economic resilience of both nations.
The program will offer financing between $1 million and $3 million, designed to meet the diverse needs of SMEs in both countries. In Ukraine, this capital will help businesses overcome the significant challenges posed by the ongoing war, allowing them to seize new opportunities and sustain their growth. In Moldova, it will provide long-term capital for businesses to expand and strengthen their market positions.
The SME Direct Investment Program will offer both equity and quasi-equity financing, giving SMEs flexibility in choosing the financial structure that best aligns with their strategic goals.
UMAEF’s initiative will contribute to job creation, vital for restoring livelihoods in Ukraine and supporting economic stability in Moldova. It also aims to attract additional foreign and domestic investment, creating a positive cycle of growth and promoting sustainable development by prioritizing businesses that adhere to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
Beyond financial support, UMAEF will offer knowledge and expertise to help businesses improve their operational capabilities, strategic planning, and governance.
The program will target SMEs with a minimum annual turnover of $5 million and an EBITDA of at least $0.5 million.
Oksana Strashna, SME Direct Investment Program Director, emphasized the significance of this initiative, stating, “At UMAEF, we believe that the resilience and ingenuity of SMEs in Ukraine and Moldova will be key drivers of economic recovery and growth. We want to support dedicated owners and management teams that run companies under current unprecedented circumstances while keeping focus on the future. Our $50 million investment is a testament to our commitment to these economies, and we are excited to be part of their transformation.”
Find out more about the program and apply here: https://umaef.org/programs/sme-direct-investment-program/
About UMAEF:
Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF, formerly Western NIS Enterprise Fund) is a $285 million regional fund, a pioneer in Ukraine and Moldova with over 29 years of successful experience in investing in small and medium-sized companies. UMAEF was funded by the U.S. government via the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Since its inception, UMAEF’s cumulative investments total over $190 million to 143 companies employing 27,000 people and made it possible to unlock $2.4 billion for companies in Ukraine and Moldova.
In 2015 UMAEF launched a $170 million legacy program that is focused on direct investing and SME development, local economic development, impact investing, innovation, education and entrepreneurship, and veteran support; and in 2017 launched u.ventures, $25 million investment fund for early-stage technology startups. In 2022 U.S. government transferred $135 million to UMAEF in new funding for the economic recovery of Ukraine and Moldova. In 2024 the Fund rebranded to Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund, emphasizing its dedication to Ukraine and Moldova. Visit www.umaef.org
