Industrial incentive programmes are administered nationally by the Swedish National Board for Industrial and Technical Development (NUTEK) and regionally by the Regional Development Funds. NUTEK conducts research, provides industrial policy support and implements company development programmes. It is also responsible for regional policy support to help ensure balanced regional development and for supervision of the work of the Regional Development Funds.
Each of Sweden's 24 counties has a Regional Development Fund (RDF). The administrators of the funds provide financing and consulting services to small and medium-size industrial companies, as well as to other firms. Loans are extended up to a maximum of SEK 3 million for plant investments or working capital, and guarantees are issued for unsecured loans from banks and other financial institutions for the same purposes. The funds also supply development capital loans or equity of up to SEK 3 million to develop and market new industrial products or processes. The maximum repayment period is 20 years, sometimes with an initial grace period.
Numerous incentives are offered to encourage industry to locate in areas with minimum job opportunities or high unemployment, which are primarily in the north.
The contents of this article are intended as a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought for your specific circumstances.
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