Micro Loan

A smaller loan for companies with limited capital needs.

What is Micro Loan?

Micro Loan is a smaller loan for micro-enterprises and sole traders in Sweden — that is, businesses with up to nine employees and an annual turnover or balance sheet total below EUR 2 million — who may find it difficult to access traditional credit.

The loan is used for forward-looking initiatives in the business and comes with simpler collateral requirements, making it a good option at an early stage or when the capital need is limited.

When is Micro Loan a good option?

Micro Loan is a good option when you want to make a smaller investment to get started, test something new or take the next step in your business.

Micro Loan from Almi is suitable if you:

run a start-up or early-stage business and need financing to establish yourself or move to the next stage
run an established company with a smaller investment need
need a financing solution tailored to your company’s situation

The loan is suitable, for example, if you want to invest in equipment, develop a service, strengthen your digital presence, test a new market or improve your company’s liquidity.

Micro Loan has simpler collateral requirements and normally does not require co-financing. This makes it an accessible option even when a bank is unable to help. At the same time, you receive dialogue and support that strengthen your company’s finances and long-term development.

A close-up of Swedish banknotes and a calculator — Micro Loan from Almi helps small ideas grow.

What can I use Micro Loan for?

Micro Loan can be used for most initiatives that help develop your business.

For example:

investments in equipment
marketing activities
product development
digitalisation
recruitment
strengthening the company’s liquidity

The loan should be used for a forward-looking initiative that helps you grow or take the next step.

How much can I borrow with a Micro Loan?

With a Micro Loan, you can borrow up to SEK 250,000. The exact amount depends on your company’s needs, repayment capacity and the level of risk associated with the investment.

Is co-financing required for Micro Loan from Almi?

No, Micro Loan normally does not require co-financing. This makes it a good option for companies that are unable to obtain a bank loan or need to get started quickly.

Favourable terms

Thanks to a guarantee from the European Investment Fund, we’re able to offer Microloans with more favourable terms than Almi’s other loans. This includes:

longer repayment periods
an initial grace period (no repayments)
lower interest rates

Almi is a government-owned company with no profit motive, focused on supporting small and medium-sized businesses. Our loans are designed to complement the market. That means we don’t compete with banks or private lenders – instead, we often work together with you and your bank.

Funded by the European Union

Financing through Microloans is granted with support from the European Union under the InvestEU Fund. InvestEU was established to support the EU’s policy goals by contributing to competitiveness, growth, employment and sustainability.

How do I apply for a Micro Loan with Almi?

You submit your loan application
We review the application and carry out an initial assessment
If needed, we schedule a conversation to discuss your company’s needs, finances and sustainability
We make a decision and get back to you
If the loan is approved, the funds are paid out and we follow up over time

Close-up of two hands holding a smartphone. The person is using the phone, suggesting mobile communication or digital interaction.

You get more than just a loan

When you take out an Export Loan, you don’t just get financing — you also get dialogue around your company’s finances, priorities and long-term development.

To stay relevant in the future

Customers, businesses and the planet are placing higher demands on companies. Being able to demonstrate your sustainability efforts may be the reason customers choose your company over others.

To increase profitability

Understanding how your income statement and balance sheet are connected — and how they affect cash flow — makes it easier to stay in control of your profitability.

To prioritise the right things

With a clearer understanding of how different goals and actions impact your company’s finances, you can ensure that the loan is used where it creates the most value.

Frequently asked questions about Micro Loan

Who can apply for Micro Loan from Almi?

You can apply for Micro Loan if you run, or are about to start, a company registered in Sweden with up to 249 employees.

Micro Loan is primarily aimed at start-ups and early-stage companies that need financing to establish themselves or take the next step, but it may also be suitable for established companies with smaller investment needs.

Private individuals cannot apply — you must have, or start, a company.

What collateral is required for Micro Loan from Almi?

For Micro Loan, a limited personal guarantee of 10 percent of the loan amount is required. Your advisor will review the collateral requirement with you and ensure that it matches both the risk and your company’s situation.

How does the interest rate work for Micro Loan from Almi?

The interest rate for Micro Loan is set individually, based on the level of risk in your company and the portion of the investment financed by Almi.

In many cases, Almi’s participation is a prerequisite for a bank or another financier to take part in the deal. By complementing the financing and taking on higher risk, Almi helps enable investments that might otherwise not be possible. This is also why Almi’s interest rates are normally around 2–3 percentage points higher than those of banks.