The Prêt Vert (Green Loan) from Bpifrance supports SMEs and mid-cap companies in France looking to finance ecological and energy transition projects. With loans ranging from €50,000 to €5,000,000, this scheme is designed to help businesses improve their environmental impact while promoting sustainable practices. The loan is without guarantee on company or personal assets. Contact Bpifrance for application details.
Objectives
The Prêt Vert aims to finance projects that enhance environmental performance and promote sustainable practices. This includes optimizing processes to reduce energy, water, and material consumption, supporting zero-carbon mobility, and innovating products or services that contribute to environmental protection and resource efficiency.
Beneficiaries
Eligible beneficiaries include SMEs and mid-cap companies in France.
Eligible operations
The loan covers a variety of projects aimed at ecological transition, including:
- Process optimization for energy, water, and materials
- Development of zero-carbon mobility solutions
- Innovations in environmental protection and circular economy practices
- Integration of renewable energy sources
Not covered: projects that do not align with ecological transition objectives.
Eligibility conditions
Key eligibility conditions include:
- No guarantees required on company or personal assets
- Loan amounts must not exceed the company’s equity and quasi-equity
- Duration of the loan ranges from 2 to 10 years, with up to 2 years of deferral.
Grant amount
The Prêt Vert offers loans between €50,000 and €5,000,000. The loan amount must be inferior or equal to the company’s equity and quasi-equity. A 5% guarantee retention is deducted at disbursement.
Can I combine Prêt Vert with other financing options?
Yes, the Prêt Vert can be combined with other loans, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. Ensure that the total financing aligns with your project’s needs.
What types of projects are eligible for Prêt Vert?
Eligible projects include those focused on energy optimization, zero-carbon mobility, and innovations in environmental protection and resource efficiency.
How long does it take to receive the loan after applying?
The time to receive the Prêt Vert loan after applying can vary significantly, often taking a few weeks for straightforward applications, but potentially extending to several months for more complex cases. Factors such as documentation completeness and application complexity play a role. For a more precise timeline based on your situation, please contact Bpifrance directly.
Is my company eligible if it has been operating for less than three years?
No, only independent SMEs and mid-cap companies that have been established for more than three years can apply for the Prêt Vert.
What happens if I don’t meet the conditions for the loan?
If you do not meet the eligibility conditions, your application may be rejected. It’s advisable to review the criteria carefully before applying.