Kazakhstan’s Entrepreneurship Development Fund “Damu” provides concessional loans under the “Orleu” program to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. IT and creative industries are designated as prioritized economic sectors under the program. Through partnering commercial banks, technology companies can secure loans up to 7 billion KZT at an effective rate of 12.6% per annum for terms up to 10 years.
The program is currently active, and loan applications are accepted through accredited partner banks. The Fund has not established an application closing date on its official portal.
Damu originally launched “Orleu” in mid-2025. By late 2025, over 300 business projects totaling dozens of billions of tenge were funded across the country, prompting the government to expand allocations specifically for innovation-driven and export-oriented digital companies.
Financing Terms and Conditions
- Maximum loan amount: Up to 7 billion KZT per enterprise.
- Nominal interest rate: Floating base rate linked to the National Bank of Kazakhstan plus a subsidized margin, resulting in an effective subsidized rate of approximately 12.6% per annum for qualified borrowers.
- Loan term: Up to 5 years for working capital replenishment; up to 10 years for investment purposes and capital expenditures (hardware procurement, server infrastructure, lab equipment, office acquisition or construction).
- Currency: Kazakhstani tenge (KZT).
- Collateral requirements: Standard bank collateral policies apply, but eligible borrowers can leverage Damu loan guarantees covering up to 50% (and in some cases up to 85% for young entrepreneurs) of the required security amount.
Eligibility Criteria for IT and Digital Businesses
To qualify under the IT and creative sectors quota, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be registered as a business entity (LLP or individual entrepreneur) in Kazakhstan.
- Have operational OKED codes corresponding to computer programming, data processing, hosting services, software publishing, industrial design, digital multimedia, or game development.
- Demonstrate solvent financial performance or a viable business plan with verified cash-flow projections.
- Have no outstanding tax arrears or overdue debt in credit bureaus.
How to Apply for the Loan
- Prepare documentation: Assemble financial statements, business plan detailing the investment rationale or working capital requirements, and corporate founding documents.
- Submit through a partner bank: Apply directly through approved commercial banks (such as Halyk Bank, CenterCredit, ForteBank, Jusan Bank, or Bereke Bank) indicating that the loan is submitted under the Damu “Orleu” program.
- Undergo bank assessment & Damu verification: The bank assesses creditworthiness, approves the loan structure, and coordinates with Damu for interest rate subsidization and guarantee coverage.
- Sign agreement & disburse funds: Upon tripartite approval, funds are disbursed directly into the company’s operating account.
For early-stage startups and established tech firms seeking non-dilutive debt financing to purchase computational equipment or scale engineering teams, “Orleu” serves as one of the most accessible state-backed financial instruments in Kazakhstan.
