- Cafe “Daphna” Opens in Batumi with TBC Leasing’s Support
Cafe “Daphna” has expanded to Batumi with the support of TBC Leasing. Previously, the cafe, known for its homestyle khinkali and modernist Georgian dishes, was exclusively located in Tbilisi. In 2022, “Daphna” was listed among “The 12 Best Georgian Restaurants in Tbilisi” by Forbes and holds top ratings in tourist guides.
The new cafe is situated in a historic building at 43 Memed Abashidze Street in Batumi, maintaining the minimalist concept of the Tbilisi branch.
“Daphna” stands out in the hospitality industry. Throughout our partnership, we’ve seen their commitment to quality, making it an easy decision to finance the necessary assets for their new location. We are confident that Batumi has gained an exceptional venue, and we are pleased they chose us for this collaboration,” said Nodar Barbakadze, Head of the Credit Department at TBC Leasing.
“Initially, the expansion idea emerged, followed by the desire to create a space in Batumi, not Tbilisi, where guests can enjoy homestyle khinkali. We cherish the love and trust we’ve earned, which is why Cafe “Daphna” in Batumi maintains the same quality and standards. We hope to become a favorite gathering spot for friends here as well,” stated Nikoloz Mameishvili, founder of Cafe “Daphna.”
- Innovate and Learn at TBC Tech School\
Tech school, an educational initiative by TBC, offers a fully funded Tech School where senior students delve into technology, gain practical experience, develop new skills, and pursue their interests. This program helps them set goals, explore career paths, and choose what truly fascinates them.
“I gathered numerous projects and created my first portfolio with the knowledge I gained at Techkola. Now, I’m planning an online exhibition of my work,” shared Anano Imnadze, a TBC Tech School participant from Batumi.
Watch the video: https://www.facebook.com/tbcbank/videos/432338829802711
TBC remains committed to supporting the new generation. Starting in September, it will reopen admissions for senior students at Tech school, alongside various other educational initiatives.
- TBC’s Comprehensive Support for Businesses: Streamlined Processes and Diverse Financial Solutions
TBC provides comprehensive support for businesses at all stages of development. Today, we’ll explore the variety of loan products TBC offers to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups.
TBC boasts an extensive array of business-oriented loans designed to support working capital, expansion, and various business needs. For innovative ideas requiring financial resources to transform into profitable ventures, TBC offers startup loans that don’t require property security or previous experience.
The primary criterion for obtaining a startup loan is the strength of the idea. Since initiating its financing program for innovative startup ideas a year ago, TBC has funded 18 startups with a total of 2.5 million GEL, becoming the first in Georgia to support startup businesses financially.
TBC offers a comprehensive suite of financial products, including business/agricultural loans, credit lines, business installments, business overdrafts, bank guarantees, letters of credit, and state-subsidized loans such as the “Produce in Georgia” program and preferential agro-credit.
Business/agricultural loans can be issued for any business purpose, including consumer or mortgage needs. When approving loans, TBC evaluates the stability and growth potential of the business, assesses project risk, and provides advice on optimal investment sectors and amounts.
To simplify the loan process, TBC has introduced several innovations. Clients can now obtain loans through remote services, eliminating the need to visit the bank. All necessary confirmations and signatures can be completed remotely.
Additionally, TBC has implemented video visits for businesses. Unlike traditional lending, which requires an on-site expert inspection, video visits allow for a financial analysis via video call, saving time and resources. Another innovation is the use of Signify (electronic signature) for contracts. Businesses with a Signify device can confirm mortgage contracts electronically without leaving their premises.
To further ease the process, TBC offers unsecured loans up to 250,000 GEL and loans up to 200,000 GEL available within a day. TBC is also working on leveraging pre-approved limits in digital channels, which will be available to businesses soon.
In summary, TBC is dedicated to providing comprehensive banking solutions tailored to the unique needs of businesses, streamlining processes, and offering diverse financial support.
- TBC Supports “Khaos Marani” Winery’s Expansion in Gurjaani
“Khaos Marani,” a family winery founded by the Daudishvili family in Gurjaani in 2013, has experienced significant growth since its inception. Originally designed to process 400 tons of grapes, the winery now handles 6,000 tons annually, thanks in part to ongoing support from state programs and TBC.
The name “Khaos Marani” honors the founder’s father, a renowned local winemaker whose father was named Khao. “When I decided to continue the family tradition and establish a winery in 2013, the name choice was straightforward,” says founder Gocha Daudishvili.
The business, managed by Gocha and his children, employs professional wine technologists and has seen its workforce grow each year. Currently, 70 people are permanently employed, with additional workers hired during the grape harvest season.
The busiest period for the winery is the grape harvest in Kakheti, running from August to December. Although they primarily produce Kakhetian wines, “Khaos Marani” also offers wines from Imereti and Racha.
Producing up to 30 types of traditional and European wines, the winery sells most of its products within Georgia. Rkatsiteli is particularly popular, with monthly sales reaching 100-110 tons.
“Our mission is to produce natural, high-quality Georgian wines and other alcoholic beverages. Each year, we strive to improve the quality of our products,” says Gocha Daudishvili. The winery spans three hectares and includes its own wine and cold storage facilities.
As they await the upcoming harvest, expecting to process 7,000 to 8,000 tons of grapes, “Khaos Marani” is also working on expanding their export markets. Currently exporting to countries like China and Kazakhstan, they aim to penetrate new markets and introduce their wines to European countries in the future.
- TBC and IFC Sign $150 Million Agreement to Boost Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
TBC Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have entered into a five-year loan agreement worth $150 million. This initiative aims to bolster the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and enhance climate financing. The funding from IFC will further solidify TBC’s leadership in SME financing and sustainable lending.
“The signing of this agreement marks a significant milestone in our collaboration with IFC, reflecting our shared values and goals to support Georgia’s sustainable economic development. The loan will not only enhance TBC’s efforts in financing SMEs but also enable us to promote climate-related investments across Georgia. We are grateful to IFC for the funding and look forward to more successful collaborations in the future,” stated Vakhtang Butskhrikidze, General Director of TBC Bank.
“This investment is part of IFC’s strategy in Georgia to foster economic growth and sustainability. Partnering with TBC Bank, leveraging its excellent digital mechanisms and extensive branch network, we aim to make significant strides in financing SMEs and climate change mitigation efforts, contributing to a sustainable economy,” said Ivana Fernandez Duarte, IFC Regional Manager for the South Caucasus.
About IFC:
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in developing countries. Operating in over 100 countries, IFC uses its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in transitional economies. In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed a record $56 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, mobilizing private capital to work towards a world free of poverty. For more information, visit http://www.ifc.org.
- TBC Leasing Supports the Opening of CAVEA Cinema in Batumi
CAVEA cinema has officially opened in Batumi with the backing of TBC Leasing. Located on the 4th floor of the Grand Mall, this state-of-the-art cinema boasts four halls and welcomed guests with the premiere of “Deadpool and Wolverine.”
The cinema features cutting-edge sound equipment, advanced imaging systems, and ultra-comfortable seating, ensuring an exceptional movie-watching experience.
“We are pleased that our long-term partnership with CAVEA cinema has expanded beyond Tbilisi and into Batumi. We believe it will become a favorite spot not only for tourists but also for locals. Thus, we eagerly financed the necessary assets for its establishment,” stated Zurab Gugushvili, Commercial Director of TBC Leasing.
Movie enthusiasts can look forward to world premieres at CAVEA Grand Mall every Thursday.
