Bpifrance's zero-interest loan for vandalized traders is available

Bpifrance announced on Friday the immediate opening of the zero-interest loan intended for traders affected by the damage committed during the urban violence of October 17 and 18, as part of government support measures.

Called “Commerce Solidarity Loan”, this system aims to meet the cash flow needs of “several thousand”, according to the public bank, of shops and businesses which suffered stock losses following the riots and looting last weekend. Bpifrance notes in a press release that material damage is often accompanied by immediate cash flow difficulties, linked in particular to the need to replenish stocks and finance the resumption of activity, and wants through this loan to “provide a rapid, targeted and simple response” to the companies concerned.

The loan, from 5,000 to 50,000 euros, is reserved for businesses actually affected, and is aimed at individual businesses, VSEs and SMEs created for more than a year and capable of providing at least twelve months of accounting documentation. Beneficiaries must also have a professional account, be accompanied by a chartered accountant registered with the Order and authorize Bpifrance to consult their recent bank statements. The loan is available in mainland France and overseas regions, and will be repayable in 36 months, with a capital amortization grace period of 12 months. No interest will be charged, and no personal or real security will be requested, recalls Bpifrance. Subscription is carried out entirely online via the link https://flash.bpifrance.fr/pret-articles-temoignages-tpe-pme/contact-pret-solidarite-commerce

“Faced with the consequences of the riots (...) this system must allow traders to quickly find the means to continue their activity and move on,” explains the general director of Bpifrance, Nicolas Dufourcq. This loan is part of the decisions announced Tuesday by the government to support traders, as well as partial unemployment measures for employees or a support fund for smaller businesses.