NSW Government Cooperative Loan Scheme
The NSW Government Cooperative Loan Scheme facilitates loans to eligible cooperatives to expand or modernise their operations within NSW.
Under the scheme, Australian-based cooperatives that have been in operation for three or more years may qualify for a loan.
The scheme aims to encourage investment in regional industries that deliver job security and economic growth in regional parts of the state.
Key benefits
Successful applicants are required to pay interest (on either a monthly or quarterly basis) until the loan’s maturity date, at which point the principal is repaid.
Loan recipients may be eligible for tax deductions under section 120(1)(c) of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936. Applicants should seek independent legal or tax advice to confirm their eligibility.
Eligible organisations
The scheme is available to cooperatives that are:
- Australian-based
- Have been operating for at least three consecutive years
- Can demonstrate the ability to repay the loan
- Able to secure the required bank guarantee.
Under the NSW Cooperative Loan Scheme, a cooperative includes:
- corporations incorporated and registered pursuant to the Co-operatives National Law (NSW);
- a corporation incorporated and registered under the corresponding Co-operative National Law of any other State or Territory in Australia; and
- any other body corporate that is a co-operative company for the purposes of Part III Division 9 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936.
Eligible projects
The loan must be used in line with the primary activity of the cooperative borrower, either to improve production facilities or to purchase capital assets to expand or modernise. The project must be based in regional NSW (excludes Greater Sydney, Newcastle and Wollongong Local Government Areas).
Examples include purchasing new machinery or equipment to improve current production processes; making improvements to production facilities such as water treatment or waste treatment plants; and purchasing new storage or processing facilities.
Loans available
Loans are administered by the NSW Treasury Corporation on behalf of the state.
| Loan type | Fixed or variable rate loans |
| Interest rate | Available on application |
| Loan term | Maximum 7 years* |
| Loan amount | Generally minimum $500,000 |
| Fees | Establishment fee $5,000 Prepayment fee $1,000 per prepayment Break costs may apply |
| Interest payments and loan repayments | Interest payable on monthly/quarterly basis until loan maturity date Principal repayable on loan maturity date |
| Other requirements | Cooperatives must provide a bank guarantee from an Australian bank with a credit rating of A or higher for the full amount of the loan plus 6 months interest. |
*The maximum allowable tenor for Cooperative loans is determined by the credit rating of the bank supplying the bank guarantee:
| Credit Rating of Bank | Maximum Loan Term (Tenor) |
|---|---|
| AA- | 7 years |
| A+ | 7 years |
| A | 3 years |
How to apply
Applications can be made by completing the online form.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development assesses the eligibility of each application before the NSW Treasury Corporation prepares loan documentation on behalf of the state.
Information required
Applications are required to provide the following information as part of their online application for a loan under the scheme:
- Cooperative's details
- Requested loan details
- Project details including location and expected outcomes
- Business plan including financial analysis, expected returns on investment, industry assessment
- Confirmation that the cooperative is able to provide a suitable bank guarantee issued by an Australian bank
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Copy of the cooperative’s constitution or rules
- Confirmation of independent legal advice obtained regarding eligibility for tax deductions under Part III Division 9 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936
- Audited financials for the previous three years.
More information
If you have any questions or would like to discuss your cooperatives eligibility, contact:
Email: regionalnsw.business@regional.nsw.gov.au
Phone: 1300 679 673