Amount
€25,000 to €3,000,000
You borrow from a participating bank or lender; the EU guarantee is what makes it cheaper and unsecured. Eligibility is checked first on the SBCI Hub, and the code you get there starts the loan application.
Quick facts
- Amount
- €25,000 to €3,000,000
- Term
- 7 to 10 years
- Security
- None up to €500,000
- Who
- SMEs, small mid-caps, farmers, fishers, foresters
- Open until
- 30 June 2029 or fully subscribed
What it is
"The scheme provides SMEs and Small Mid-Caps, including farmers, fishers and foresters, with long-term financing to encourage the growth and resilience of their enterprises or improve their performance in terms of climate action and environmental sustainability."
"Loan amounts from €25,000 to a maximum of €3,000,000 per borrower (loan amounts are dependent on aid intensity and State aid thresholds)". "Loan terms from 7 years up to a maximum of 10 years". "Loans are unsecured up to €500,000 subject to certain exceptions; loans above €500,000 may be secured".
Why it is cheaper
Interest rates vary by lender but are reduced from standard rates, and loans for climate action and environmental sustainability get an additional discount. Farmers in ACRES or Bord Bia's Origin Green schemes, and certified organic farmers, qualify for a sustainable-farmer discount on top.
How to apply
"Step 1 – Applicants must first register (or login) on the SBCI Hub and submit an online Eligibility Application Form to check if they are eligible to avail of the scheme ." Then give the eligibility code to a participating lender, which runs its normal credit assessment. "The application window for the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme will be available until 30 June 2029 or until the scheme has been fully subscribed (whichever is earlier)."
Common questions
Is the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme a grant?
No, it is a loan from a participating lender, backed by an EU guarantee that makes it cheaper and unsecured up to €500,000.
How much can I borrow?
From €25,000 to €3,000,000 per borrower, over 7 to 10 years.
Can farmers apply?
Yes. Farmers, fishers and foresters are eligible, and sustainable and organic farmers get a further interest discount.