The Local Enterprise Finance Scheme (LEFS)was previously known as Small Industry Finance Scheme. It is administered by the Economic Development Board and other participating financial institutions. The scheme offers loans of up to S$15 million. All local businesses with 30% - 100% shareholding can avail of the loan.
LEFS helps local companies to upgrade and expand their operations. With regard to that, it provides low interest loans which can be used by the companies to establish a viable new business, automate plant and machinery, expand existing manufacturing capacity, diversify into other product lines and augment working capital. Factory can be purchased (only in the case of JTC Corporation or Housing & Development Board (HDB) properties).
Companies in Singapore can also avail of loans for their overseas expansion. But the overseas operations must complement the activities in Singapore and result in economic spinoffs to Singapore.
Types of Loans
- Factory Loan
- Machinery Term Loan / Machinery Hire Purchase
- Working Capital Term Loan (Unencumbered Assets)
Interest Rates and Re-Payment
- It is a fixed interest rate financing programme.
Things to Note
- The combined loan exposure under LEFS cannot exceed S$15 million.
Facts and Figures
- S$720 million worth of loans have been extended to 3,500 companies under LEFS, Micro Loan Programme and Loan Insurance Scheme (LIS) from 1 January 2007 - 31 December 2007.
- S$3 billion worth of loans have been extended to 2,800 companies under LEFS from 2002 - 2006.
