Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland
Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme
aka GSLS
State-backed long-term loans of EUR25,000 to EUR3 million for SMEs and small mid-caps investing in growth, productivity or sustainability projects, on preferential terms via participating lenders.
EUR25,000 to EUR3,000,000 loan, 7-10 year terms
Last reviewed May 2026
What this scheme funds
GSLS is the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland's flagship long-term loan facility for the SME and small mid-cap market, replacing the Future Growth Loan Scheme that wound down in 2024. Loans range from EUR25,000 to EUR3 million per applicant, with terms of seven to ten years, no security on the first EUR500,000, and pricing materially below standard commercial rates. The scheme is delivered through participating lenders (currently AIB, Bank of Ireland and PTSB at launch, with others added on a rolling basis). At least 30% of the total fund is ringfenced for sustainability investments. Eligible uses include capital investment in machinery and equipment, premises improvement, energy efficiency, working capital tied to a clear growth plan, and intangible investment including software and digital capability.
Application window
Rolling - apply to a participating lender, not to SBCI directly
Who can apply
- •Irish SME or small mid-cap (fewer than 500 employees)
- •Viable trading business as assessed by the participating lender
- •Investment falls within an eligible category (growth, productivity, or sustainability)
- •Borrows via a SBCI participating lender (AIB, BOI, PTSB, etc.)
How it typically funds software
- •ERP, MRP or warehouse-management software rollouts as part of a productivity programme
- •Capability investment in digital tooling tied to a credible growth plan
- •Energy-management software as part of a sustainability investment
Worth knowing
SBCI does not lend directly. The participating bank performs the credit assessment and sets the final pricing within the SBCI scheme parameters.
Software categories this can fund
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