Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — As part of the comprehensive program “Continuous Support for Small Business”, the Business Development Bank provided 1.737 trillion soums in loans to 17,676 entrepreneurs.

As of 1 January 2025, the bank’s total loan portfolio reached 22.53 trillion soums, reflecting an increase of 730.2 billion soums (or 3.3%) compared to the previous year.

Within the framework of the “Continuous Support for Small Business” program, 49,160 entrepreneurs received a total of 4.835 trillion soums in loans, with 1.737 trillion soums allocated directly by the Business Development Bank to 17,676 entrepreneurs.

The financial support provided helped 18,288 self-employed individuals to legalize their activities. Among them, 12,783 registered as sole proprietors, while 5,505 obtained legal entity status.

Out of 16,738 sole proprietors participating in the program, 1,100 registered as limited liability companies (LLCs).

In 649 mahallas assigned to the Business Development Bank, loans totaling 1.5 trillion soums were issued in 2024. As a result, 473,000 people gained employment, including 70,000 who secured permanent jobs and 403,000 engaged in entrepreneurial activities.

Under the "Saikhunabad Experience" model, which operates on a household-based system, a total of 3,992 financial packages were distributed, and 21,800 microprojects worth 672 billion soums were implemented. These initiatives created 40,102 new jobs.

As part of the "Uchchin Experience", 608 meetings were held in 2024, during which 6,900 requests were reviewed and resolved. This effort contributed to the creation of 12,600 new jobs.

Last year, to support women entrepreneurs, 18,866 women received 919.8 billion soums in loans. In mahallas affiliated with the Business Development Bank, 1,868 women entrepreneurs obtained loans amounting to 122.9 billion soums, leading to the creation of 3,862 new jobs.

Throughout 2024, the Business Development Bank allocated loans across various sectors, including industry (1.105 trillion soums), agriculture (420.057 billion soums), construction (556.042 billion soums), trade and public catering (1.067 trillion soums), transport and communications (77.048 billion soums), and other sectors (1.384 trillion soums). In total, 7.3 trillion soums in loans were issued.

At a press conference, it was noted that the bank has even more ambitious goals for 2025. Moving forward, it will continue to provide modern financial services, support small businesses, and strengthen customer trust.

During a videoconference meeting on 16 December 2024, chaired by the head of state, directives were issued to intensify business financing efforts and reduce poverty levels. In response, the Business Development Bank has strengthened its activities in this area.

Specifically, 229 "mahalla bankers" have begun working across the country. The “Project in the Mahalla” initiative has introduced "Business in the Mahalla" and "Mahalla Banker" credit products, aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship and fostering small business development in the regions.

This year, the bank plans to issue 10.4 trillion soums in loans. This includes over 300 billion soums for the “First Step in Business” program and over 150 billion soums for the “Business in the Mahalla” program.

The household-based work system is expected to provide employment for 279,000 people, including 115,000 in permanent jobs and 164,000 engaged in entrepreneurship.

Planned activities include 1,300 meetings, the implementation of 25,900 microprojects, and the allocation of 1.4 trillion soums in loans.

Additionally, the bank intends to attract US$357 million in foreign investment.

In 2025, the total volume of loans allocated by the bank is expected to reach 7.7 trillion soums. Of this amount, 510 billion soums will be directed toward investment projects, 1.4837 trillion soums toward working capital, and 5.7365 trillion soums toward supporting small and medium-sized businesses.

During the event, it was highlighted that, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the bank has begun developing and implementing a customer-oriented operational model for servicing micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). Negotiations are currently underway to attract a US$50 million credit line under the ADB’s "Inclusive Financial Sector Development – Financial Intermediation" program. The opening of this credit line will significantly expand the bank’s financial capacity to support small businesses.