Supports social banking and affordable housing initiatives.
**Summary of Erste Bank's Social Banking Programme** Erste Bank, part of Erste Group, is a leading financial service provider in Central and Eastern Europe. The bank has a strong focus on social banking, aiming to support individuals and businesses affected by poverty and exclusion. The programme is deeply rooted in the bank's history, dating back to 1819, and is an integral part of its DNA. **Focus Areas and Financial Resources** The social banking programme focuses on providing financial support to start-ups, small businesses, social organisations, and low-income individuals. Erste Group has invested approximately EUR 600 million in social development in the CEE region since 2016, creating or preserving around 97,000 jobs. The programme offers a range of financial products, including working-capital and investment loans, microfinance, and housing micro-loans. **Recent Projects and Criteria** Recent projects include the DOM.ov programme, which helps Roma families in eastern Slovakia build their own homes, and the financing of a generation café in Vienna, a sheep farm in Romania, and a shop selling organic baby clothing in Croatia. To receive funding, applicants typically need to demonstrate a viable business plan, financial stability, and a positive social impact. The programme combines financing with financial education, mentoring, and training to ensure long-term financial prosperity.