Loan guarantees for SME
The federal government assists efficient and viable SMEs in obtaining bank credits by funding loan guarantee cooperatives.
Financing
Starting a new business, or advancing an already existing one, often requires a lot of money. Entrepreneurs can look for external investors or take out a bank credit to cover their financial needs.
The loan guarantee cooperatives are supported by the federal government and facilitate SMEs access to bank credits because these organisations can provide the banks with guarantees. In Switzerland there are three regional loan guarantee cooperatives, as well as a national loan guarantee organisation for women:
Loan guarantee cooperatives
- BG OST-SÜD, loan guarantee cooperative for SME
- Cautionnement romand, loan guarantee cooperative in French-speaking Switzerland
- BG Mitte, loan guarantee cooperative for SME
- SAFFA Guarantee Cooperative for Women
These cooperatives guarantee loans of up to 1 million CHF. The Confederation insures up to 65% of the associated risk of loss. The authorities also pay a proportion of their administrative costs.
Applications for loan guarantees must be handed in to the appropriate loan cooperative.
Further information
Index
Contact
Promotion Activities Directorate
SME Policy
Holzikofenweg 36
CH - 3003 Bern