OREANDA-NEWS. December 20, 2011. Center-invest Bank has launched a new loan product for female managers and business owners, as well as companies providing services and selling goods for women. The new loan offering is available until 8 March 2012 (International Women’s Day), reported the press-centre of Center-Invest Bank.

As explained by Olga Vysokova, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board, "With the objective of helping successful businesswomen grow their companies, we are offering a special promotion: one-year loans of up to one million rubles, with a preferential interest rate that is 25% lower than for standard loans, and a six-month grace period. The financial support and information provided by the bank, and the introduction of modern technologies and equipment in line with international best practice, will help southern Russia’s companies be competitive not only on the domestic market, but also on international markets."

Supporting women in business is one of Center-invest Bank’s new priorities as part of its commitment to encouraging enterprise. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, one of Center-invest Bank’s main shareholders, already has successful experience of lending to businesswomen. Center-invest Bank is bringing this experience to southern Russia.
Entrepreneurs in southern Russia seeking finance to start up or grow a business will find that CIB offers the best terms. To support entrepreneurs in the initial stages, in July 2010 Center-invest Bank launched a new programme, "Start Up". This programme offers: preferential finance for a term of up to three years, including a six-month grace period; free of charge business banking for the first year, including access to our business banking service "Bank-Client"; and free of charge advice on business planning and tax and legal issues.

Center-invest Bank’s loan programmes for SMEs include: loans to enable companies to participate in state and municipal tenders; long-term loans for investment projects; general purpose loans for business owners; and special loans at 5% interest per annum to help companies pay taxes and duties.

Supporting and developing enterprise in southern Russia is one of the priorities of Center-invest Bank’s strategy for the modernization of southern Russia and its own sustainable development in the region. Center-invest Bank’s sustainable banking model focuses not on instantaneous gains, but on long-term profits in the interests of its shareholders, customers and partners.