We have partnered with the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) to bring you loans under the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme (GSLS). 

This Scheme, which benefits from a guarantee from the European Investment Bank Group (EIB) and support from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM), is operated by the SBCI. There are more details on the SBCI Website.

There are two loans offered under the SBCI Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme.

  1. Climate Action & Environmental Sustainability Loan
  2. Growth and Resilience Loan

 

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The Growth and Resilience Loan is paused for new applications.

We are still accepting applications for the Climate Action and Environmental and Sustainabilty Loan.

Key features

  • A variable rate loan.
  • Supporting SMEs with long-term finance to invest in the climate action and environmental sustainability or the growth and resilience of their business.
  • Loan terms from seven years up to ten years.
  • Amounts of €25,000 up to €3,000,000 are available.
  • No security required on loans up to €500,000; loans above €500,000 may be secured.
  • Loans are available up to 30 June 2026 or until the scheme has been fully subscribed. 

The Scheme at a glance

  • Variable interest rate
  • Loan amounts from €25,000 - €3,000,000
  • Terms from seven years up to ten years
  • Unsecured loans up to €500,000

GSLS Climate Action & Environmental Sustainability Loan

This loan is available to businesses who qualify as a green enterprise, or customers who are investing in green measures. For full details on the qualifying criteria please refer to the SBCI Website.
 

Green Enterprise – SME or Farmer:

  • SME: Enterprises that have revenue of 90% plus concentrated in areas under climate action and environmental sustainability, such as, renewable energy, energy efficiency, circular economy, waste prevention and recycling.
  • Farmer: Farm holdings participating in sustainable programmes, such as the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s Organic Farming Scheme or are a member of both, the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) and Bord Bia’s Sustainable Farming Origin Green programme.

Green Measures:

The broad range of investments can include initiatives, such as
 
  • building upgrades and renovations,
  • roof and wall insulation,
  • replacement of windows,
  • replacement of existing lighting with energy efficient LEDs,
  • electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging points,
  • manufacturing of energy efficient equipment / renewable energy equipment,
  • minimum tillage equipment,
  • tractor and harvester replacement,
  • agriculture building renovation or upgrade.

 


GSLS Growth and Resilience Loan

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The Growth and Resilience Loan is paused for new applications.

We are still accepting applications for the Climate Action and Environmental and Sustainabilty Loan.

This loan is for long-term investments towards the growth and resilience of the enterprise. Loans will be allowed, subject to eligibility criteria for, but not limited to, the following purposes:

  • investments in tangible or intangible assets,
  • machinery or equipment,
  • research and development,
  • business expansion,
  • premises improvement,
  • process innovation.


Interest Rate

The interest rate on Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability Loans is the SBCI Variable Rate1 plus 1.942% margin.

The interest rate on Growth and Resilience Loans is the SBCI Variable Rate1 plus 2.192% margin.

The interest rate reflects the benefits of the guarantee that has been provided by the European Investment Bank Group (EIB), with support from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) to AIB.

1The SBCI Variable Rate Loan interest rate is a variable interest rate which may change. The SBCI Variable Rate Loan interest rate is set weekly and published on this website.  

More information about who the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme is suitable for.

We're here to help

Contact your Relationship Manager or our Direct Business Team on 0818 478 833, Monday to Friday 9:00 to 17:00.
WARNING: The cost of your repayments may increase

Other resources

Credit Guarantee Scheme Information Booklet

Helpful Guide to Applying for Business Finance

Government Credit Guarantee Scheme FAQs

T&C’s Governing Business Lending

Important / Regulatory Information

Lending Criteria, terms and conditions apply. Credit facilities are subject to repayment capacity and financial status and are not available to persons under 18 years of age. Security may be required.

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