Western NIS Enterprise Fund Becomes Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF): Rebranding to Scale Up Support for Ukraine and Moldova

The Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF), formerly known as the Western NIS Enterprise Fund (WNISEF), announces its rebranding and expansion to further support Ukraine and Moldova in turbulent times.

Dennis A. Johnson, Chairman of UMAEF’s Board of Directors, said: “We decided to rebrand the Fund as the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund, a change that better encapsulates the Fund’s mission and activities in the region, reflecting our unwavering commitment to supporting SMEs, fostering entrepreneurship, economic growth, and sustainable development. Moreover, we are launching a new Direct Investment Program, which will provide support for businesses that survived the war but need a capital infusion up to $5 million to rebuild, relocate, and upgrade equipment.”

In January 2023, the US government transferred $135 million to UMAEF, which catalyzed the expansion of the Fund’s impactful programs, broadening the scope of initiatives and prompting thoughtful reconsideration of its organizational identity.

UMAEF’s Export Promotion Policy Program expanded to become the Direct Investment and SME Development Program.  With its updated scope, the Program provides comprehensive assistance to Ukrainian and Moldovan SMEs in overcoming the challenges caused by Russia’s aggression.

The Local Economic Development Program offers effective solutions to support economic potential boost of Ukrainian and Moldovan regions by empowering communities.

The Impact Investing Program assists social enterprises in Ukraine in scaling their business activities by providing low-interest loans at 4-8% per annum via partner banks.

The Innovation, Education and Entrepreneurship Program, formerly the Economic Leadership Program, expanding its