Join the pilot phase! (Austrian Businesses Only)
"imfino SME services" starts in February 2018 with an initial pilot phase in Austria. If you want to be one of our test customers, simply enter your e-mail address and join our our mailing list.
We look forward to you assisting us to make the offer as perfect as possible. Your feedback will provide the basis for the open beta version, which is expected to go live in the first quarter of 2018. At the same time a test version of the marketplace will also be available.
Thank you in advance for your support!
imfino SME Services
Supporting the achievement of the SDGs is a key issue for imfino. SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), specifically sub-target 9.3, calls for the following activities: "to increase the access of small industrial and other enterprises to financial services, including affordable loans, and their integration into value-added chains and markets, particularly in developing countries".
In the current market environment, the success of one-person businesses and SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) is an important driver for an inclusive and prospering economy, as detailed in the OECD report "Financing SMEs and entrepreneurs 2017". However, they are faced with much stricter financing conditions and higher interest rates than larger companies, and are also often disadvantaged in alternative forms of financing.
In cooperation with Erste Bank AG, "imfino" has therefore developed a system that offers a new solution for both SMEs and banks: "imfino SME services". Erste Bank AG provides trust accounts for all SMEs and one-person businesses. After their financial and background data is examined by external partners, the SMEs can access the trust account at any time and can draw down funds up to a predefined credit limit. Each withdrawal must be repaid within 45 days. There is no interest rate charged for this service. Instead, transfers to company accounts are subject to a small fixed transaction fee.
SMEs register with all necessary data at the "imfino SME services" marketplace. After the external check, the calculated funds will be added to your trust account and you may transfer funds into your company account.
How it works
FAQ
What is an SME?
SMEs are Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, typically defined as companies with a maximum of 250 employees.
What are the advantages of „imfino SME Services“?
One-person businesses and SMEs receive access to working capital at low cost. In the open beta, the marketplace will also be fully functional and provide access to services such as sales and marketing support.
Who can use „imfino SME Services“?
Currently, "imfino SME services" is only for Austrian businesses. After a successful pilot phase, we plan to roll out country-specific solutions in other markets.
What is the interest rate and how long can money be borrowed for?
Withdrawing money incurs no interest. The money can be borrowed for a maximum of 45 days.
What financing terms are offered?
The financing framework is defined individually and covered by credit insurance. On average, a credit limit of around € 4,000 per business is expected.
What are the costs of this service?
Each company receives a trust account at Erste Bank AG. The costs incurred are a fixed transaction fee (currently 1.5%) for the transfer of money either into the trust account or from the trust account to an external account. Such transaction costs are not applicable to the marketplace because all payments take place within the system.
How quickly is the money available?
The length of time from the initial registration to the payment into the trust account is expected to be 3-5 business days. For further interim financing or until the next external audit step, a maximum of 1-2 business days are required.
Who ware the external partners participating the data check?
Our external partners are recognized credit insurance companies and credit rating companies active in Austria.
Contact
imfino - Impact Finance Organization
Sachsenplatz 4-6
1200 Vienna
Austria
office@imfino.org