Small and Medium Sized Enterprises play an important role in the domestic market, yet they often struggle to obtain appropriate funding. At BNF Bank we acknowledge the challenges faced by these micro, small and medium businesses.
Through BNF Business Accelerate, we offer the unique possibility of financing your business with minimal security. This is possible due to the agreement reached between the European Investment Fund (EIF) and BNF Bank. BNF Business Accelerate is intended for a large array of small and medium business operations, and at various stages - from start-up status to those in a phase of growth and expansion, onto more established and mature SMEs. It is designed to offer a financial solution that is drawn up around your needs, with attractive terms.
The interest rate on BNF Business Accelerate is very competitive when compared to other business loans on the market. Similarly, the amount of security you are asked for when you opt for a loan under the BNF Business Accelerate is much lower than that which is normally requested. Under this scheme, BNF Bank looks to secure only a maximum of 20% of the total requested funds through extendible security. Alternatively, the Bank may also consider granting the loan without any security, depending on your risk profile.
About BNF Business Accelerate
BNF Business Accelerate is a product created through the collaboration between BNF Bank and the European Investment Fund via Horizon 2020 and the EU's European Regional Development Fund allocated to the Government of Malta. BNF Business Accelerate is available to all SMEs established and operating in Malta excluding sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, gaming and pure real estate development amongst others*. SMEs are enterprises employing less than 250 employees and with an annual turnover not exceeding €50 million, or with an annual balance sheet total not exceeding €43 million as defined in the EU Commission Recommendation 2003/361/EC.
*Verify if your business is eligible by visiting bnf.bank/businessaccelerate.
What type of business can be financed?
Your business will be considered for BNF Business Accelerate if you operate in the following sectors, amongst others:
- tourism related activities
- ICT products and services
- wholesale and retail services
- arts, entertainment and recreation
- manufacturing
- research, development and innovation activities.
What can the funds be used for?
BNF Business Accelerate can help you realise your vision and execute your plans by assisting in starting up your business, financing upgrades in hardware, software, upgrades to business property, product stock and more. If you want to break new ground by launching your own research-based project, develop a new product or service or penetrate a new market, BNF Business Accelerate can help get your project going.
The Product
BNF Business Accelerate is a loan for businesses, partially guaranteed by the European Investment Fund, with attractive interest rates. The loan will be customised to your particular needs, including capital requirements and repayment timeframes.
Benefits
You can borrow up to 75% of the total project costs, from a minimum amount of €25,000 up to a maximum of €500,000. Monthly loan repayments will be spread over a minimum period of 2 years and a maximum period of 12 years (or 10 years if funds are required for research and innovation).
The interest rate on BNF Business Accelerate is very competitive when compared to other business loans on the market.
Other features
BNF Business Accelerate offers a variety of tools for a faster, easier and more convenient banking experience, including:
- a current account with a cheque book featuring your company logo
- free BNF Internet Banking to manage your funds 24/7
- a free Visa Debit Card which can be used at any Visa ATM or EPOS anywhere in the world, as well as for online transactions.
Terms and conditions apply. Loans are subject to the Bank’s lending criteria. The Bank reserves the right to amend or withdraw this loan product from the market at any time, at its sole and absolute discretion and without any prior notice. BNF Bank p.l.c. is a credit institution licensed to undertake the business of banking by the MFSA in terms of the Banking Act 1994. Registered in Malta C41030 - 203, Level 2, Rue D’Argens, Gzira, GZR1368, Malta.
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