Start-Up Window

Guarantee Characteristics

What the Start-Up Window offers


Start-Up Window is designed for Kosovo's newest enterprises — backing founders from day one so every bold idea has a real shot at becoming a business. Eligible from the day of registration, with the highest guarantee coverage rate of any window at 80%, plus non-financial mentoring and capacity building support included.

80%
Max Guarantee Coverage
€100K
Max Loan Amount
84 Months
Maximum Loan Tenor
Day 1
Eligible from Registration
Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply?

Criterion Requirement
Business Type Privately owned MSME registered in Kosovo (no Government ownership)
Operational History From day of registration up to 12 months old
Employees Fewer than 250 employees
Ownership Owned by at least one private citizen or permanent resident of Kosovo
Minimum Loan €3,000
Maximum Loan €100,000 (max guaranteed amount €80,000)
Loan Purpose Long-term investments and/or working capital
Sector Restriction All knowledge-based and economic sectors eligible (arms & gambling excluded)
Value Proposition

Why Start-Up?

80%
Risk Coverage

KCGF absorbs 80% of default risk — the highest coverage rate — giving banks confidence to back businesses that are brand new.

Mentoring
Non-Financial Support

Experienced mentors guide you through early challenges — from market positioning to international expansion and employment growth.

€100K
Max Loan Amount

Access up to €100,000 in financing — enough capital to build your team, stock inventory, and make your first big investments.

All
Sectors Eligible

From tech and services to manufacturing and trade — if you have knowledge and a business plan, the Start-Up Window is for you.

Beyond Finance

The non-financial advantage

Capacity Building

Financial literacy, business formalisation training, and the tools to manage your enterprise professionally from day one.

Networking

Connect with other entrepreneurs, partner institutions, and the broader Kosovo business ecosystem to accelerate your growth.

Mentoring

Experienced mentors guide you through early challenges — from market positioning to international expansion and employment growth.

How It Works

Application Process

01
Apply at Partner Bank
Approach any KCGF partner financial institution and request a Start-Up Window guarantee alongside your loan application.
02
Bank Assessment
Your partner bank reviews your business plan and application against Start-Up Window eligibility criteria and viability.
03
KCGF Guarantee Issued
Upon approval, KCGF issues an 80% guarantee on the approved loan amount, reducing the bank's lending risk significantly.
04
Launch & Grow
Funds are released and your business journey begins — backed by financing, mentoring, and the KCGF network.
Partner Network

Apply through our partner banks

ProCredit Bank Kosovo Raiffeisen Bank Kosovo TEB Bank NLB Bank Kosovo Banka Ekonomike BKT Kosova Banka për Biznes

Ready to launch?


Visit any KCGF partner bank and ask about the Start-Up Window today.

Check Eligibility