A guarantee of success

Since its launch in 2017, the growth guarantee scheme has expanded almost every year. We have issued 1,775 financial guarantees covering more than NOK 5 billion in loans and credit facilities. A total of 1,271 companies have benefited from the scheme, and we currently guarantee a portfolio worth NOK 3.3 billion.

Businesses are seeking this type of funding: This year, they have secured more than NOK 1 billion in loans and credit through the growth guarantee scheme. They reached this record on 18 November – well before the end of the year.

'We are going through a period when businesses are finding it difficult to secure private risk capital from investors who want to help finance their continued growth and development. This makes it particularly important that the growth guarantee enables banks to provide loans even when businesses have limited collateral,' says Leon Bakkebø, EVP of Banking and Finance at Innovation Norway.

Thirteen banks across Norway participate in the scheme, enabling them to offer businesses loans of up to NOK 8 million even if they lack sufficient collateral. We guarantee 75 per cent of the loan.

'Access to growth capital in Norway is far lower than in our Nordic neighbours. That is why we at DNB are investing in a range of initiatives to improve access to capital, with the aim of helping even more companies succeed in scaling up and growing. Our partnership with Innovation Norway enables us to offer even better financing solutions for innovation, digitalisation and growth. These companies are tomorrow's employers and value creators, driving growth both in Norway and internationally,' says Marianne Wik Sætre, Group Executive Vice President for Corporate Banking Norway at DNB.

The Growth Guarantee Scheme is the result of our partnership with the European Investment Fund (EIF). It aims to promote entrepreneurship, growth, innovation, research and development, the green and digital transition, and job creation. The scheme leverages private and public funding to support sustainable development. We entered into a new partnership with the EIF in 2024 and have made a significant commitment to the scheme.