Loans must be used for business purposes only, and must be used to support current and upcoming cash flow needs (for example, rent and staff expenses).
The loans will be unsecured, meaning that businesses will not need to provide an asset as security. A range of loan types may be made available, including overdrafts and term loans. Credit card facilities (including charge cards) are not eligible under the Scheme.
In particular, the Government encourages lenders to provide facilities that only have to be drawn if needed by the SME, such as overdrafts. This will mean that the SME would only incur interest on the amount they draw down. If they do not draw down any funds from the facility, no interest will be charged, but they will retain the flexibility to draw down funds should the need arise.