01 December 2020

UniCredit strengthens its support for female entrepreneurs and companies focused on family services with a dedicated offer in Italy

2:00 Min

A negative effect of the ongoing pandemic is the impact it has had on small businesses, in particular those founded by or run by women. There are several reasons for this, including the higher share of female employers and employees in sectors most affected by the pandemic and the increased family management burden resulting from the health emergency.

To support this group, UniCredit is strengthening its offer to female entrepreneurs and companies aimed at serving women and families:

  • female entrepreneurs planning to start or grow a business are offered discounted loans through microcredit of up to €50,000, access to a support network of relevant partners and the necessary digital tools and guidance on financial planning. In addition, UniGens, a volunteer association of current and former UniCredit employees, will offer the entrepreneurs further support leveraging their experience and know-how.
  • profit and non-profit companies that provide welfare, health and educational services with a concrete and measurable social impact are offered social impact loans in excess of €50,000 at beneficial conditions. This further includes company projects and initiatives that promote welfare services for employees and their families. The businesses will also have access to a grant of up to €20,000 and a dedicated training programme upon the achievement of their social objectives in addition to a network for sharing their experiences to help create further external visibility.

“The current emergency has impacted many different sectors, but we are witnessing a negative trend specifically when it comes to female employment and entrepreneurship. At UniCredit, we are part of the solution, helping female founders and businesses that offer services to families. By doing so we also support an equal and inclusive society that values women’s skills and entrepreneurship which in turn generates higher growth and well-being for all,” said Roberta Marracino, Head of Group ESG Strategy & Impact Banking at UniCredit.