The SBCI has developed a number of initial products to address the financing needs of SMEs which are provided through its on-lenders. Some of the key features of the SBCI products include:

• Lower interest rates:
• Minimum loan maturity of two years;
• Maximum term of ten years; and
• Loans available up to €5 million.

(i) Investment and Working Capital Loans

SBCI investment loans and working capital loans are available to eligible SMEs through its on-lender partners.

(ii) Re-finance of Exiting Bank Loans

This SBCI loan product which can be for investment and working capital purposes is available to eligible SMEs whose loan facilities originated with a bank which is exiting or has exited the Irish market, i.e. ACC Bank; Danske Bank; Lloyds/Bank of Scotland Ireland, Irish Nationwide/IBRC, Anglo Irish Bank/IBRC.

(iii) Agriculture Investment Loans

The SBCI has an agriculture investment loan product available to eligible SMEs engaged in primary agricultural production or the processing or marketing of agricultural products. This product is available for investment purposes.

(ii) Leasing and Hire Purchase Loans

Through its current non-bank on-lender partners, the SBCI provides hire purchase, contract hire and leasing loans available to eligible SMEs to finance cars, commercial vehicles and certain plant and machinery assets. These products typically provide loan terms of between two to six years.