Meeting of the National Coalition WE Finance Code Montenegro
15/10/2026
The National Coalition WE Finance Code Montenegro, led by the CBCG, held a meeting with a focus on achieved results, the ongoing implementation of the Action Plan, and activities aimed at improving access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) owned by women. Data from the interactive dashboard platform for 2025 was presented, alongside the key findings of the second cycle of the “Women in Business” survey, conducted by the Secretariat of the Competitiveness Council.
The meeting participants discussed the outcomes of the National Coalition Action Plan implementation and planned future activities. Progress to date confirms the commitment of Coalition members to shared goals: 87% of recorded commitments are publicly available, whilst over half of the total number of commitments have been completed or are currently under implementation. Upcoming activities will focus on further enhancing the availability and quality of data regarding access to finance, providing a solid foundation for designing more effective support measures for female entrepreneurship.
The WE Finance Code dashboard, featuring data for 2025, confirms a positive trend in financing women-owned MSMEs. The number of clients in this category rose by 3.2%, while the value of their loan portfolio grew by approximately 16%. These indicators point to an increase in financing and the growing significance of this segment within the financial sector, whilst providing an important basis for further improving access to finance and developing financial products tailored to the needs of women-led businesses.
Ana Drakić, representative of the Secretariat of the Competitiveness Council, presented the key findings and recommendations from the second cycle of the “Women in Business” survey. The survey insights offer deeper understanding into the needs and challenges faced by women in entrepreneurship, forming a baseline for refining existing support mechanisms and establishing new ones tailored to their business requirements.
The conclusions of the meeting focused on continued joint action between financial institutions, the public sector, and the private sector to promote gender balance, foster a better understanding of the needs of female MSMEs, and develop financial products and instruments that contribute to their sustainable growth.
The National Coalition WE Finance Code Montenegro brings together credit institutions, microfinance institutions, the Ministry of Economic Development of Montenegro, the Tax Administration of Montenegro, the Development Bank of Montenegro, the Statistical Office (MONSTAT), the Women’s Rights Centre, IM Consulting, the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro, the Competitiveness Council Secretariat, the Association of Montenegrin Banks, the Association of MFIs of Montenegro, and the Montenegrin Employers Federation.
The Coalition continues its collaboration by driving concrete initiatives aimed at improving access to finance and creating a more favourable environment for the growth of female entrepreneurship in Montenegro.