The total allocation of the financial instrument is CZK 5.13 billion. It is implemented under the Operational Programme Technologies and Applications for Competitiveness (OPTAK) and financed by the European Regional Development Fund. The NRB has been accepting loan applications since February 2, 2026.
“We have launched a clear indirect investment support instrument. We are fulfilling our next promise. Immediately after the new government took office, we launched the Guarantee programme to support small and medium-sized enterprises, and I promised that we would launch preferential investment loans within a month. Today, exactly one month after our appointment, we are launching another key tool, Expansion, which will help with the development of investment projects. The programme is ready and companies can start applying for support,” says 1st Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry and Trade Karel Havlíček.
“The Expansion Programme is a proven financial instrument that allows small and medium-sized enterprises to finance up to 50% of their investments through interest-free loans from NRB. Thanks to this form of financing, companies can make investments, for example, in the acquisition of machinery, technologies, software, licenses, buildings and the modernisation of operations at significantly lower total interest costs, in an environment where interest rates of the Czech National Bank are still restrictive on the entire economy,” emphasized Tomáš Nidetzký, Chairman of the Board of Directors of NRB.
“We have been repeating for a long time that the ability to innovate and increase competitiveness is a crucial factor for any business. We are glad that thanks to NRB tools, the SME segment also has a chance to develop successfully. Whether it is the currently launched EXPANSION programme, the NATIONAL GUARANTEE programme launched in recent days or the upcoming guarantee and loan programmes for family businesses,” says Josef Jaroš, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Association of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and Crafts of the Czech Republic.
Basic parameters of the financial instrument:
- Support for investment projects in the Czech Republic outside Prague,
- Loans from 1 to 100 mil. with a maturity of up to 15 years, deferral of instalments of up to 3 years,
- Interest-free and free of charge,
- Acquisition of machines, technologies, software, licenses, buildings and modernization of operations,
- Up to 50% of the investment expenditure of the project,
- Co-financing by loans from partner banks and leasing companies in the amount of at least 20% of the investment expenditure of the project is required.
Designed for entrepreneurs operating in areas such as:
- Manufacturing and construction;
- Retail and wholesale;
- Transportation and storage;
- Accommodation, catering and hospitality;
- Information and communication activities.
