Target Group
Technologies in the areas of greenhouse gas emission reductions, efficient use of electrical energy, promotion of renewable energy sources and conservation of natural resources are eligible for support. Successful applicants are those who market an innovative product or process which has a good chance of market success. In addition, the company must be creditworthy and based in Switzerland.
Advantages
The loan guarantees enable innovative companies to access favourable loan capital, because they considerably reduce the lender's risks. Thus the guarantees bridge any possible gaps between equity financing during the start-up phase and regular corporate loans for established and more mature businesses. Guaranteed loans are a form of non-dilutive funding and do not affect the current ownership structure.
Conditions
The guarantee may amount to a maximum of CHF 3 million. It can underwrite the guaranteed loan and total payable interest in whole or in part. The maximal duration of the guarantee is 10 years. Every project supported must contribute at least 40% of the amount using other funds.
Procedure
Interested companies can find out whether they fulfil the most important criteria by completing a quick preliminary assessment online. To do so, the online application form should be filled in and an investor presentation submitted. Further application steps will follow, in which additional documents must be submitted. A committee will then make a decision as to whether the guarantee will be granted.