UMAEF Launches New $50 Million Direct Investment Program into SMEs in Ukraine and Moldova

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/