BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 7. Uzbekistan will
launch a new digital financial platform allowing entrepreneurs to
apply for loans and receive offers from multiple banks through a
single online system, Trend reports via the Uzbek Chamber of Commerce and
Industry.
According to a government resolution, the new digital financial
platform will be launched by July 1, 2026, aiming at improving
access to financing for small businesses and streamlining the
lending process.
As part of the reform package, commercial banks will introduce
an AI-powered advisory service designed to support entrepreneurs by
generating business ideas based on the economic specialization and
growth potential of local communities.
Beginning July 1, 2026, additional measures will be introduced
under the government's Comprehensive Small Business Support
Program.
Entrepreneurs who have previously received microloans through
the program and maintained a positive credit history will be
eligible for an increase in the unsecured portion of their loans
from 100 million soms (about $8,354) to 200 million soms
(approximately $16,700).
The Entrepreneurship Development Company will also expand
financial assistance for small businesses. The agency will provide
interest-rate subsidies for loan amounts of up to 5 billion soms
(about $417,710), regardless of the total size of the credit
facility.
In addition, 100 top-performing entrepreneurs supported under
the program each year will be eligible for grants of up to 300
million soms (about $25,060) to help fund business digitalization,
the adoption of international standards, and the implementation of
environmentally sustainable technologies.
The measures are part of Uzbekistan’s broader efforts to
strengthen private-sector growth, encourage innovation, and improve
access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises.
