On March 31, 2026, the SME Foundation signed an agreement with Bangladesh Infrastructure Finance Fund Limited (BIFFL) to expand its credit wholesaling program. Under this deal, the foundation will provide Tk 125 crore in loans at 9% interest to cottage, micro, small, and medium (CMSME) entrepreneurs in the agro-based and food processing sectors. The financing will be channeled through banks and financial institutions with support from JICA.

The initiative is part of BIFFL’s Food Value Chain Improvement Project, financially and technically assisted by JICA. It aims to strengthen the food value chain, enhance food security, and build entrepreneurial capacity, with special priority for women entrepreneurs. Funding will cover processing of fruits, vegetables, spices, rice, pulses, edible oil, seeds, organic fertilizers, and biopesticides, as well as wholesale, logistics, and retail sectors. It will also support capital investments such as machinery, factory infrastructure, and warehouses.

The project is expected to strengthen Bangladesh’s food value chain, reduce import dependence, boost export potential, and create rural employment opportunities.