Value Notes

A total of £5 billion of credit will be available through the scheme.

Individual funding allocations are not stipulated.

Turnover Notes

Businesses with a turnover of up to £25 million.

Employee Notes

1-249

Extended Description

In February 2012, HSBC Bank launched its International SME Fund as a response to its assertion that global trade is likely to grow in coming years, particularly in Asia and Latin America.

The launch of the fund follows a year when HSBC provided lending of over £49 billion to UK businesses, whilst at the same time increasing lending to SMEs by 15% year on year.

The HSBC International SME Fund is designed to support the growth of small and medium-sized UK businesses that trade internationally. Through the scheme, HSBC will provide credit to companies as a means for them to extend their operations abroad. The bank believes that even the smallest businesses are likely to become multinational in the future.

The business sectors with exceptional predicted growth created through demand from emerging exports include: oil and gas; automotive.

The launch of the fund follows a year when HSBC provided lending of over £49 billion to UK businesses, whilst at the same time increasing lending to SMEs by 15% year on year.

Latest Information

Applications may be submitted at any time

Key Criteria

UK-based small and medium-sized enterprises that are planning to trade, or expanding their operations, in emerging international markets such as India and China may apply. The Fund is available to businesses with a turnover of up to £25 million.

Eligible Expenditure

Costs associated with trading overseas.

Match Funding Restrictions

Match funding is not applicable to this programme.

Restrictions

Although there are no specific exclusions cited within the programme guidelines, those wishing to apply are advised to liaise with the sponsor in the first instance to discuss eligibility.

Further Information

July 2012:

In February 2012 HSBC committed to lend £12 billion to UK small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) including £4 billion through this International SME Fund which supports UK businesses that trade or aspire to trade internationally. In July 2012 the bank increased the funds it would make available to £5 billion through the International SME fund.

Application Procedure

Interested parties can find out how to access the funding by speaking to their Commercial Manager, who will discuss finance and borrowing options to help the applicant’s business trade overseas.