Articles · Analysis
Concessional loans for sole proprietors in Kazakhstan: programs available in 2026
Can a sole proprietor get a concessional loan under Damu programs: Orleu, Isker Aimak and guarantees when collateral falls short. Requirements, documents, what the bank looks at and how to prepare.
Dala Capital · updated 5 October 2026 · 5 min read
At a glance
- A sole proprietor takes part in Damu Fund programs on the same footing as an LLP, provided it is a micro, small or medium business.
- For smaller amounts — Isker Aimak (up to ₸200 million); for larger projects in priority sectors — Orleu (up to ₸7 billion, at no more than 12.6%).
- What matters most to the bank is documented income. If revenue does not show up in bank accounts and tax returns, a concessional loan is harder to get.
- For a start-up there is the Bastau Business grant of up to ₸1.73 million.
Can a sole proprietor get a concessional loan
Yes. Damu Fund programs are designed for private businesses, and a sole proprietor is a business entity just like an LLP. The business category is set by the Entrepreneurial Code — by average annual headcount or average annual income:
- Micro business
- EmployeesUp to 15
- Average annual incomeUp to 30,000 MCI — about ₸130 million
- Small business
- EmployeesUp to 100
- Average annual incomeUp to 300,000 MCI — about ₸1.3 billion
- Medium business
- EmployeesUp to 250
- Average annual incomeUp to 3,000,000 MCI — about ₸13 billion
| Category | Employees | Average annual income |
|---|---|---|
| Micro business | Up to 15 | Up to 30,000 MCI — about ₸130 million |
| Small business | Up to 100 | Up to 300,000 MCI — about ₸1.3 billion |
| Medium business | Up to 250 | Up to 3,000,000 MCI — about ₸13 billion |
Most sole proprietors are micro or small businesses, so both Isker Aimak and Orleu are open to them if the sector qualifies.
Which programs suit sole proprietors
- Isker Aimak
- AmountUp to ₸200 million
- Rate40% rate subsidy; no lower than 12.6% for the borrower
- Suitable ifA micro or small business needing investment or working capital
- Orleu
- AmountUp to ₸7 billion
- RateNo more than 12.6%
- Suitable ifThe activity is on the list of priority sectors
- Damu guarantee
- AmountGuarantee of up to 85% of the loan
- RateBank rate plus a 1.5% fee
- Suitable ifNot enough collateral
- Bastau Business grant
- AmountUp to ₸1.73 million
- RateNot repaid
- Suitable ifThe business is just starting or you belong to a social category
| Program | Amount | Rate | Suitable if |
|---|---|---|---|
| Isker Aimak | Up to ₸200 million | 40% rate subsidy; no lower than 12.6% for the borrower | A micro or small business needing investment or working capital |
| Orleu | Up to ₸7 billion | No more than 12.6% | The activity is on the list of priority sectors |
| Damu guarantee | Guarantee of up to 85% of the loan | Bank rate plus a 1.5% fee | Not enough collateral |
| Bastau Business grant | Up to ₸1.73 million | Not repaid | The business is just starting or you belong to a social category |
What the bank looks at for a sole proprietor
- Documented income. The bank works out where your repayments will come from using account statements and tax returns. Cash revenue that is not recorded anywhere barely exists for the bank.
- Time in business. Most programs require an operating business with a track record. Banks often want to see at least a year of trading.
- Tax regime. A sole proprietor on the simplified return has no full accounting statements, so the bank relies on account turnover and tax returns. The more transparent the cash flow, the easier the calculation.
- Personal credit history. For a sole proprietor the business and the owner are the same person, so the bank looks at personal loans and arrears too.
- Collateral. Property, vehicles, equipment — including what is bought with the loan. If collateral falls short, there is the fund guarantee.
- No outstanding debts. Loan arrears over 60 days or tax debt rule you out of the programs.
Documents for sole proprietors
The bank provides the exact list. It usually asks for:
- an ID document;
- the sole proprietor registration certificate or notice;
- tax returns and account turnover statements for the past year;
- a business plan: what the money is for and how the loan will be repaid;
- collateral documents;
- commercial offers or contracts for buying equipment, works or services.
How to prepare if you need a loan in six months
- Run revenue through the sole proprietor’s account — that is what the bank will count.
- Clear any arrears and tax debts.
- Check your OKED code: it determines whether Orleu is an option.
- Collect commercial offers for what you plan to buy.
- Work out what payment the business can comfortably carry in the loan calculator.
Example
A sole proprietor running a furniture workshop borrows ₸50 million over 5 years for machinery. At 24% the payment is about ₸1.44 million a month and total interest about ₸36 million. At 12.6% it is about ₸1.13 million a month and about ₸18 million in interest. The difference is roughly ₸18 million over the loan term.
Questions about concessional loans for sole proprietors
Can a sole proprietor on the simplified tax regime get a Damu loan?
Yes, the tax regime itself is no obstacle. The bank will assess income from tax returns and account turnover, so it matters that revenue goes through the account.
Can a newly registered sole proprietor get a concessional loan?
Most programs require an operating business. For a start-up there is the Bastau Business grant, and the fund guarantee is open to new businesses too — check the terms with the bank.
Sole proprietor or LLP — which finds it easier to borrow?
The program terms are the same. An LLP is more convenient if the business has several owners or a large project needs full accounting statements. For the bank, transparent figures matter more than the legal form.
Does a sole proprietor need collateral?
Yes, just like an LLP. If it falls short, the Damu Fund can guarantee part of the loan — up to 85% of the amount.
Program terms are based on information from damu.kz, participating banks and operators as of October 2026 and may change. The bank decides on the loan; the Damu Fund decides on subsidies and guarantees. We are a consulting company and do not issue loans.
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