EFSE USF and Bank Lviv strengthen their partnership through a EUR 15 million funding to support MSMEs in Ukraine

Chișinău, 17 June 2025 – The European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE)   with its Ukraine Sub-Fund (USF) is expanding its strategic partnership with Bank Lviv, a key player in Ukraine's financial sector, to provide EUR 15 million of additional UAH funding, dedicated financing to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and support the country's economic growth.

The financing is complemented by dedicated MSME grants designed to ease access to finance for war-affected MSMEs, including newly established and relocated businesses. These grants address the lack of collateral and ongoing market distortions, such as reduced credit risk appetite, heightened asset quality concerns, and overall market unpredictability.

“Our collaboration with Bank Lviv enables EFSE to support Ukrainian MSMEs in securing the tailored financing solutions they need to invest in their businesses and expand their operations,” said Jasminka Begert, Portfolio Manager EFSE at Finance in Motion. “This funding is a direct investment in the competitiveness and long-term growth of local businesses.”

“Each new tranche is not just financial support, but also a recognition of the effectiveness of our cooperation with EFSE. Even in challenging circumstances, Ukrainian small and medium-sized businesses continue to show resilience, growth, and a strong commitment to sustainable development. Support from international partners — particularly through meetings such as the one in Chisinau — enables Bank Lviv to further expand access to financing that is truly tailored to the real needs of our entrepreneurs,” said Ashot Abrahamyan, Chairperson of the Management Board of Bank Lviv.

About EFSE

An impact investment fund established in 2005, the European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) aims to foster economic development and prosperity in Southeast Europe and the European Eastern Neighborhood Region. EFSE was initiated by KfW Development Bank with the financial support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Commission. As the first public-private partnership of its kind, EFSE draws its capital from donor agencies, international financial institutions, and private institutional investors. Finance in Motion GmbH, Germany, serves as EFSE’s Portfolio Manager and Hauck & Aufhäuser Fund Services S.A., Luxembourg, acts as manager.

For more information on the European Fund for Southeast Europe, please visit: www.efse.lu  

About Finance in Motion

Finance in Motion structures, manages, and advises almost €4 billion across 10 funds, all classified as SFDR Article 9. These private market funds drive impact for people and planet through regional financial intermediaries, direct investments, advisory and capacity building. Founded in Germany, with local expertise from Latin America to Eastern Europe, it has been investing in emerging markets for over 20 years. 

For more information, please visit: www.finance-in-motion-com  

About Bank Lviv

Founded in 1991, Bank Lviv has built a strong reputation as a reliable regional player with solid governance and risk management, international European shareholders, and high priority on transparency and trust. Bank Lviv is a specialized provider of banking services to MSMEs and agricultural businesses, with a focus on tailor-made financing and committed customer care. It is also developing into a bank of choice for private households who are seeking a local bank which offers simple products and high service quality. Bank Lviv maintains its regional focus on Western Ukraine while further building its market position in an increasingly dynamic economic environment.

For more information on Bank Lviv