The Institut Català de Finances (ICF), with the support of the Department of Business and Labour, has activated a new line of loans aimed at self-employed people, microenterprises and SMEs in the retail, restaurant and services sectors.

Eligible businesses must have a minimum of 4 years of activity, operate (or plan to open) a physical point of sale in Catalonia, and have increased their turnover by at least 17% between 2021 and 2024. This percentage is based on the variation of the accumulated CPI for the period, plus an additional five points.

Who can apply?

Among the eligible activities are:

• Retail trade
• Car repair workshops
• Photography services
• Copy and print shops
• Repair services
• Dry cleaners and laundries
• Hairdressers and beauty salons
• Bars, cafés and restaurants
• Prepared food services and catering
• Retail travel agencies

What can be financed?

Both investments and working capital needs can be financed (up to a maximum of 25% of the total amount of the loan).

Loan conditions:

• Amount: between €25,000 and €150,000 per operation
• Term: up to 7 years, with a 1-year grace period
• Interest rate: fixed at 0.95%, with the subsidy already applied
• Early repayment fee: maximum of 0.25%
• Guarantees: to be determined according to the project and the term

Loans can be applied for directly through the ICF portal, where all the details of the call can also be consulted.