People’s Bank is committed to fostering business growth through flexible and competitive loan solutions. With interest rates starting as low as 7% per annum, entrepreneurs across various sectors—including agriculture, manufacturing, trade and services, import and export, and sustainable enterprises—can access customised financing options tailored to their specific needs.
Supporting Business Growth through Development and SME Loans
According to Wickrama Narayana, Deputy General Manager – Enterprise Banking at People’s Bank, “Development and SME loans play a crucial role in driving economic growth by providing entrepreneurs and small businesses with the financial support they need to expand and innovate. These loans empower businesses to invest in new technologies, enhance productivity, and create employment opportunities—ultimately contributing to a thriving economy. Therefore, People’s Bank has introduced various loan schemes to support the SME and Micro sectors, ensuring they have the financial backing needed to grow and sustain their businesses.”
Loan Schemes Tailored to Business Needs
Aswenna Loan Scheme
Specifically designed for farmers, this scheme supports the purchase of paddy lands. It offers investment loans of up to Rs. 5 million and working capital loans up to Rs. 2 million, enabling farmers to enhance their agricultural operations.
Vanitha Saviya Loan Scheme
Aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs, this development lending scheme provides up to Rs. 25 million for investment and working capital. It supports commercially, technically, and financially viable businesses owned by women.
Kapruka Ayojana Loan Scheme
This scheme promotes coconut cultivation by offering loans up to Rs. 5 million for both investment and working capital needs.
People’s Power Loan Scheme
Designed for MSMEs and low-income earners, this scheme provides group loans up to Rs. 0.5 million and individual loans up to Rs. 5 million, to improve products, services, and business processes.
Pledge Loan Scheme
This facility provides funding for the purchase and storage of paddy and maize. The loan amount is determined based on customer requirements and warehouse capacity.
New Comprehensive Rural Credit Scheme (NCRCS)
NCRCS supports micro and small-scale farmers engaged in short-term crop cultivation, offering loans up to Rs. 3 million depending on crop type and land extent.
SMED Loan Scheme
Targeting mid- and large-scale SMEs with annual turnover below Rs. 1 billion, this scheme provides a minimum loan of Rs. 500,000. It includes investment loans, short-term facilities, letters of credit, overdrafts, and guarantees. Priority sectors include agriculture, industry, trade, dairy, fisheries, IT, apparel, tourism, education, and export/import.
Business Power Loan Scheme
This scheme supports SMEs involved in agriculture, construction, exports, innovation, and technology. It offers investment loans up to Rs. 250 million and working capital loans up to Rs. 50 million.
Rooftop Solar and Solar Projects Loan Scheme
Providing financial assistance for solar energy investments, this scheme offers loans up to Rs. 500 million for businesses adopting solar power solutions.
Green Power Loan Scheme
Promoting environmentally friendly initiatives, this scheme offers loans up to Rs. 500 million. Eligible sectors include agriculture, forestry, manufacturing, construction, tourism, and waste management.
People’s Spark Loan Scheme
Supporting viable startups and businesses in agriculture, food and beverage, manufacturing, innovation, tourism, and essential services, this scheme offers loans up to Rs. 2.5 million.
SMILE III Loan Scheme
Focused on value-added manufacturing businesses, this scheme provides loan facilities up to Rs. 25 million.
