Bancóldex, Colombia's development bank for businesses, announced a $200 billion credit line to provide liquidity to entrepreneurs amid rising interest rates. The funds are intended for working capital and debt substitution, such as raw materials, supplies, and payroll. This initiative aims to support company productivity, especially for SMEs, in 2026.
Bancóldex launched a new $200 billion credit line designed to provide competitive-rate financing to companies of various sectors and sizes. The announcement comes amid an increase in the policy interest rate by the Board of Directors of the Banco de la República, prompting entrepreneurs to seek funding alternatives to maintain operations and productivity in 2026.
"We are aware of the challenges entrepreneurs face today due to the interest rate environment. With this new line, we want to offer a real relief alternative with more favorable financial conditions compared to the market average. This solution can represent, especially for SMEs, a boost to maintain their productivity and growth plans in 2026," stated José Alberto Garzón, interim president of Bancóldex.
The funds allow financing for working capital, including the purchase of raw materials and supplies, payroll payments, and other operating costs. They can also be used for debt substitution to improve cash flow management, though excluding the replacement of existing credits with Bancóldex and liabilities with partners or shareholders.
Garzón urged entrepreneurs to inquire with their allied financial institutions about this option. "We invite companies to consult with their bank, cooperative, or allied financial entity about this option. From Bancóldex, we are committed to providing tools that allow them to continue growing, even in challenging economic scenarios," he added. With this measure, the bank aims to promote productivity, competitiveness, and economic development in the country.
Separately, Bancóldex reported that its profits in 2025 fell 27.8% to $63.072 million compared to $87.405 million in 2024, due to a slowdown in credit disbursements since late 2023, although total assets grew to $9.92 trillion at the end of the fourth quarter.