Innovation loan
A SEK 50,000–500,000 loan for Sweden-registered companies testing or prototyping a new climate product, service, process or business model before it reaches the market; Almi can cover up to half of project costs.
Denne finansieringsmuligheten er foreløpig beskrevet på engelsk.
Use the loan for a clear development step such as building a prototype, testing, checking whether technology or a business model works, or preparing production. The product is open to all sectors, so it is not reserved for climate projects; it can fit when the innovation itself is a climate solution. Almi has, for example, used an innovation loan to support market research and a new prototype at a company combining robotics with small electric vehicles.
This is repayable finance, not a grant or an ownership investment. Your company repays the amount borrowed plus interest. Almi sets the rate from the project's risk and the company's ability to repay. The uncertainty of an innovation project may result in a higher interest rate. Repayment is usually over 3–5 years and can be adjusted to development stages, with an eight-year maximum. The loan also includes dialogue with Almi about company finances, priorities and longer-term development.
Eligibility
- The Innovation Loan page describes applicants as new or established companies registered in Sweden, with no more than 249 employees. Almi's general loan rules allow you to submit an application while forming the company, but it must be registered before an approved loan can be paid. Private individuals cannot apply.
- The innovation must have potential to create growth and competitiveness, and Almi must judge the project commercially promising.
- Almi's general loan eligibility information says annual turnover must not exceed EUR 50 million, or the balance-sheet total—the value of assets shown on the balance sheet—must not exceed EUR 43 million.
- The person using Almi's services must have a residence permit, be an EU or EEA citizen with right of residence, or be a Nordic citizen.
- You need co-financing. Almi can provide no more than 50% of the estimated project cost. For smaller loans, some of your own work on the project may sometimes count towards your share. If the loan exceeds SEK 300,000, at least half of all co-financing must be money from sources such as owners, a bank or another external funder.
- Almi often asks for a business mortgage and a limited personal guarantee, but may be more flexible for early innovation projects with few physical assets. A business mortgage uses movable business property, such as stock, as security. A personal guarantee means Almi can require the guarantor to pay an agreed amount if the company cannot repay. Almi decides the security for your company and project.
How to apply
- Status
- Løpende søknader
Apply through Almi's loan e-service. You need BankID, Mobile BankID or an electronic ID from Telia to log in and sign.
Prepare the material relevant to your project's stage. Almi's examples include a description of what makes the innovation new, a development plan and schedule, a project budget and financing plan, the market and business model, available prototypes or test results, and company accounts or budget figures. The service asks about the amount needed, what the loan will fund and company information. You must also complete Almi's customer identity-check form.
The application itself is not binding. Almi obtains a credit report on you and the company's representatives, reviews the application and may arrange a conversation about the company's needs, finances and sustainability before deciding. If approved, Almi pays the loan and follows up over time.