You are here: Media > Press Releases > Republic of Ireland

EIB Loan Scheme for SMEs

Business Term Loan

13th May 2009

Ulster Bank Ireland Limited has entered into an agreement with the European Investment Bank, which enables us to offer a preferential price to qualifying customers who are seeking loan finance for an eligible purpose. This means that your borrowing costs will be reduced, thus saving you money during the first 5 years of the term of the loan.

*We are able to offer a discount from our usual pricing for Business Term Loan Borrowing.

Key scheme criteria are:

  • Loan amounts €30,000 to €2,000,000 (although higher amounts can be considered)
  • Minimum Loan Term: 2 years
  • Funds can be used for many purposes, including asset purchase, permanent increases to working capital, or research & development costs.
  • Applicants must not employ more than 250 employees, and be considered autonomous/independent of parent companies
  • Loans can be granted to businesses in most sectors (except those associated with property development for sale, property investment, the purchase of farm land, weapons & ammunition, gambling & related equipment, tobacco-related businesses, use of live animals for scientific purposes, or any business which is considered by the European Investment Bank to be morally or ethically controversial)
  • Borrowers must agree that (a) upon reasonable notice they will permit representatives of the EIB to inspect all sites, installations and works that comprise the project which is the subject of the loan: and (b) following a request by the EIB, we may give any information about the Facility, Project or Borrower to the European Investment Bank.
  • Loans are subject to status and the decision to lend rests with Ulster Bank Ireland Limited. The EIB is unable to intervene in any matter regarding the Bank`s credit assessment of an applicant.

Please contact your Relationship Manager or visit your local branch to discuss if your business qualifies for funding supported by this EIB "Loans for SMEs" scheme.

Alternatively email your enquiry and a local Relationship Manager/Branch will be in touch in due course.