There is a two-step process to apply for a loan under the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme:
Step 1 - First register (or login) on the SBCI Hub and complete the online Eligibility Application Form. Once completed, eligible applicants will get an eligibility code. Please note, the SBCI eligibility code is not a guarantee of loan approval.
Step 2 - Once you get the SBCI eligibility code, you should engage with your local Business Lending Advisor or your Relationship Manager to begin the loan application process. It is only at this stage that a decision will be made on credit approval by the Bank.
Loans range from €25,000 up to a maximum of €3 million.
The SBCI eligibility code is valid for six months from the date of issue, but it is always subject to the scheme remaining open and having funding available.
The eligibility code can be used multiple times, provided that you don't exceed the maximum loan amount available under the scheme and the eligibility code hasn't expired.
Yes. You can get more than one loan, provided that the total of those loans does not exceed the maximum loan amount available to you under the scheme.
Loans terms range from 7 up to a maximum of 10 years.
Under the Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme, loans can only be used for investment purposes. The scheme provides long-term funding for investments in the growth and resilience of the business or for investments in climate action and environmentally sustainable measures.
No. The Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme does not allow for the refinancing of existing loans or debt products.
Loans up to €500,000 must be granted on an unsecured basis.
Loans greater than €500,000 may require additional security; this remains at the discretion of the finance provider.
If the loans are with two different on-lenders, they will both be on an unsecured basis.
If they are with the same on-lender, then security may be required for the amount in excess of €500,000.
Approval depends on the loan amount involved and if the Bank has all the information needed to process an application.
Yes. You can use the same SBCI eligibility code to apply for a loan with different banks, provided that you don't exceed the maximum loan amount available to you under the scheme and the eligibility code has not expired.
Loans will be available up to 30 June 2026, or until the scheme has been fully subscribed (whichever is earlier).
The State aid rules that applies to the Scheme are as follows:
Where you have received State aid, you will have received a letter from the State body that provided it. Examples of State aid granting bodies include Enterprise Ireland, Bord Bia and the Local Enterprise Office.
NACE stands for the “Statistical Classification of Economic Activities in the European Community”. It is the standard system used in the European Union for classifying business activity. NACE codes are divided into sectors such as retail, manufacturing, services etc.
Access the list of NACE Codes eligible for the Growth and Sustainable Loan Scheme.
It means that the applicant operates their business and has a registered business address in Ireland.
A primary producer is a person engaged in the production, rearing or growing of primary products including harvesting, milking and farmed animal production. It also includes fishing and the harvesting of wild products.
Approval of a loan under the scheme is subject to PTSB’s own credit policy. The maximum loan amount may not be appropriate in every case.
If you are not satisfied with the reason given, you have a right to appeal this decision to PTSB’s SME Appeals Board.
