OREANDA-NEWS. November 03, 2011. The lender has struck up a partnership with the Ryazan Region Small Enterprise Assistance Fund, which is guaranteeing Uniastrum-issued loans of up to Rb 20 mn., reported the press-centre of Uniastrum Bank.

Uniastrum’s Ryazan branch continues to deliver on its commitment to supporting small and midsized businesses operating in the region. Year-on-year (September 1, 2010 – September 1, 2011), the branch’s corporate credit portfolio expanded 57% to Rb 1.3 bn and its SB portfolio more than 50%. Today over 500 enterprises in the Ryazan region are Uniastrum clients, and their number is increasing, thanks largely to the easy terms offered under the Bank’s lending schemes, as well as cash management, deposit, leasing, and other services.

Uniastrum Bank’s working relationship with the Ryazan Region Small Enterprise Assistance Fund will ensure that loans are more readily available for local small and midsized businesses. By taking advantage of the Fund’s program, enterprises lacking sufficient liquid collateral can secure the amount they need. The Fund is ready to guarantee up to 50% of any loan commitment undertaken. A Uniastrum Fund-supported loan is available to any small business registered and operating in the Ryazan region. Under the scheme, borrower enterprises must have been working for no less than 12 months, be current on taxes and other government payments, and be able to lodge collateral equal to at least 50% of the principal.

“Small business is one of our target segments,” says Kirill Tikhonov, Uniastrum’s Managing Director for Corporate Business Development. “We don’t just offer enterprises loans, but also help them select an optimum financing scheme and structure their projects properly in order to ensure they use the credited funds as effectively as possible.”