Uzbekistan Expands Support Measures for Small Businesses

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Uzbekistan has approved new measures aimed at expanding financial support for small and medium-sized businesses, according to a presidential decree titled “On further measures to improve access to financial services and expand support for small and medium-sized businesses.”

Under the document, a digital financial platform is expected to be launched in the country by 1 July 2026. The system will allow entrepreneurs to submit loan applications and simultaneously receive offers from multiple banks through a single request, improving access to banking services for businesses.

Special attention is given to the introduction of an “AI consultant” program. Through this system, commercial banks will develop business ideas based on the specialization of mahallas and local growth points, aiming to stimulate entrepreneurship at the grassroots level.

Starting from 1 July 2026, a comprehensive “Continuous Support for Small Business” program will come into effect, expanding financial instruments available to entrepreneurs.

Under the program, entrepreneurs with a positive credit history who have previously received microloans will see the unsecured portion of microloans increased from 100 million soums to 200 million soums.

In addition, the Joint-Stock Company “Entrepreneurship Development Company” will provide compensation for interest expenses on loans for small businesses up to 5 billion soums, regardless of loan size.

The program also includes annual grants of up to 300 million soums for 100 high-performing entrepreneurs.

Funds will be directed toward digitalization, implementation of international standards, and development of green technologies.