NIB loan to fund environmental projects and SMEs in Sweden 

NIB and Falkenbergs Sparbank have signed a SEK 300 million (approx. EUR 26 million) loan agreement to provide on-lending for Swedish environmental projects and for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 

The seven-year loan programme will provide financing for smaller businesses in the Northern part of Halland, Sweden, and in extension foster productivity growth, market efficiency and employment in the region. Environmental project financing will make up 50% of the loan facility. 

This loan facility primarily targets micro and small enterprises. By increasing access to bank financing, this initiative aims to boost productivity in the region. As SMEs are major contributors to local production and employment, improved financing can enhance market efficiency and drive economic growth. 

“Unlocking financing for SMEs drives investment and economic growth. NIB is committed to supporting regional development, and this collaboration with Falkenbergs Sparbank is crucial in improving the economic resilience in southern Sweden,” says André Küüsvek, NIB President & CEO.   

“The collaboration with NIB provides an addition to Falkenbergs Sparbank’s long-term financing and strengthens our role as a driving force for the local sustainable transition,” says Göran Bengtsson, Falkenbergs Sparbank’s CEO. 

Falkenbergs Sparbank will offer green loans to finance environmental investment projects for private and corporate customers such as improvements in energy efficiency, energy production and storage, or other initiatives that enable the green transition and sustainable business models. 

This loan follows a similar agreement signed between NIB and Falkenbergs Sparbank in 2019, with both focusing on SME financing. 

Falkenbergs Sparbank is the 13th largest independent savings bank in Sweden in terms of total assets. Founded it 1865, the bank operates three branches in Falkenberg, Getinge and Ullared. 

NIB is an international financial institution owned by eight member countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden. The Bank finances private and public projects in and outside the member countries. NIB has the highest possible credit rating, AAA/Aaa, with the leading rating agencies Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s. 
 
For further information, please contact  
Ralf Hansson, Senior Banker, at +358 10 618 0268, ralf.hansson@nib.int 

Anita Algus, Communications, at +358 10 618 0524, anita.algus@nib.int