The launch of the fund is scheduled for the second quarter of 2026, with loans expected to be issued at a rate no higher than 8-10% per annum for a term of 7 to 10 years.
The total annual funding volume will amount to at least 3-5 billion soms, which will allow support for at least 500 projects in the SME sector, with the share of borrowers from the regions expected to be no less than 50%.
“The establishment of the Som Fund is an important step towards more accessible and predictable financial resources that will be directed towards investments, modernization, and job creation, instead of short-term and expensive loans. The fund will be formed based on mixed financing involving the state, national development institutions, commercial banks, and international partners,” noted the Ministry of Economy.
According to the plan, the fund will implement mechanisms for guarantees and risk-sharing, as well as subsidize interest rates on a competitive basis. The development of alternative financing instruments, such as leasing and factoring, is also anticipated. This will help reduce borrowing costs, extend loan terms, and enhance the financial stability of SMEs, making them less vulnerable to fluctuations in the macroeconomic situation and currency risks,” the ministry added.
Reference Information:
In 2025, the weighted average interest rate on bank loans in soms ranged from 19% to 20%, according to data from the National Bank of Kyrgyzstan.
The classification of businesses into small and medium-sized enterprises is based on the number of employees, depending on the area of activity, according to the methodology of the National Statistical Committee:
• In sectors such as agriculture, hunting, forestry, fishing, mining and manufacturing industries, as well as in the production and distribution of electricity, gas, and water, and construction:
- small enterprises have up to 50 employees;
- medium enterprises have from 51 to 200 employees.
• In enterprises engaged in trade, automobile repair, providing hotel and restaurant services, transportation and communication, financial activities, real estate operations, education, healthcare, and social services:
- small enterprises have up to 15 employees;
- medium enterprises have from 16 to 50 employees.
