Program Overview
The Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) was established in September 2014 by the Department of Finance to ensure Irish SMEs have access to stable, lower-cost, long-term funding options.
The Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme (GSLS) provides SMEs and Small Mid-Caps, including farmers and fishers, with long-term financing to encourage growth, resilience, and investment in climate action and environmental sustainability measures.
Funding Amount
Total Lending Capacity: €560 million available for Irish SMEs through EIB partnership
Recent Agreement: €200 million funding agreement signed between SBCI and European Investment Bank enables the expanded €560M capacity
Timeline: Scheme operates until 30 June 2026 or until fully subscribed, whichever is earlier
Key Benefits
Reduced Interest Rates: Loan rates are reduced from standard bank rates offered by participating lenders
Climate Discount: Additional 0.25% interest rate reduction for businesses with climate action and environmentally sustainable eligibility
Long-Term Financing: Access to stable, long-term funding to support business growth and resilience
EIB Guarantee: Backed by European Investment Bank Group guarantee for added security
Eligibility Requirements
Business Type: SMEs and Small Mid-Caps operating in Ireland (includes farmers and fishers)
Purpose: Funding for growth, resilience, or investment in climate action and environmental sustainability
Participating Lenders: Must apply through one of SBCI's participating on-lender banks
Creditworthiness: Standard lending criteria apply through participating banks
Application Process
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Contact Participating Bank: Apply through one of SBCI's participating on-lender banks (Bank of Ireland, PTSB, and others)
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Submit Application: Provide business plan, financial statements, and details of funding purpose
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Climate Eligibility: If applying for climate discount, demonstrate environmental sustainability or climate action measures
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Credit Assessment: Bank evaluates loan application using standard lending criteria
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Approval and Drawdown: Once approved, loan is disbursed at reduced SBCI-supported interest rate
Contact Information
Website: sbci.gov.ie
Scheme Information: enterprise.gov.ie/en/what-we-do/supports-for-smes/access-to-finance/growth-and-sustainability-loan-scheme
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