българскиMission and Vision
Impact investment for resilient local economies.
BalkanFund is an impact investment organization that channels capital, expertise, and partnerships toward sustainable economic development across Southeast Europe. We invest in people, ideas, and enterprises that drive measurable social and environmental progress, while generating long-term financial sustainability.
Our work bridges philanthropy and private investment — combining development finance, blended funding models, and entrepreneurial support to create resilient local economies and inclusive growth.
Strategic Priorities
1. Supporting entrepreneurs
We provide catalytic funding, equity investment, and advisory support to early-stage and growing businesses that align profit with purpose. Our goal is to nurture a new generation of impact-driven entrepreneurs across the Balkans.
- Providing small grants for startups and early-stage businesses.
- Sharing knowledge through training programs, mentoring sessions, and entrepreneurship competitions.
- Co-financing initiatives focused on developing digital skills and online marketing.
2. Promoting unique initiatives
We identify and invest in pioneering initiatives that unlock regional potential and deliver measurable social and economic impact. These ventures combine innovation with community benefit, creating scalable and sustainable change.
- Impact Investments. Flexible, long-term capital for SMEs and founder-led companies, with a focus on cash-generative models and measurable impact (jobs, productivity, exports).
- Supporting Microfinance organizations and small equity funds for the region.
- Initiatives for crowdfunding and cross-border cooperation.
3. Ensuring sustainable financing
We develop innovative financial structures to attract long-term capital from institutional investors, development finance institutions, and mission-aligned partners. Through blended finance, SPVs, and co-investment platforms, we secure funding that multiplies regional impact.
- Collaborating on EU-funded cross-border cooperation projects.
- Providing bridge financing for projects to avoid delays.
- Investing in financial instruments in regulated capital markets to generate revenue and sustainably fund activities.
Core Activities
- Financial support: Providing small grants for core investments in startups and businesses.
- Training and mentoring: Organizing training programs focused on digital skills and online marketing.
- Institution building: Establishing Microsmart, the first microfinance institution in Greece, and launching a micro-equity fund for Southeast Europe.
- Bridge financing: Providing funds for EU-supported projects to ensure their continuity.
- Partnerships: Collaborating on EU projects for cross-border cooperation and economic development.
Achievements
- Establishment of Microsmart: Improving capital access for micro-businesses in Greece.
- Micro-equity fund: Creating a fund to support startups in Southeast Europe.
- Support for Bulgarian entrepreneurs: Providing grants and training programs in border regions to foster innovation.
- Financial strategy: A sustainable approach through investments in financial instruments, ensuring long-term funding for activities.