You cannot use the Start Loan to finance research and development (R&D) investments for companies in development stage. Adaptations to products or services according to concrete needs of a customer are not considered R&D. For existing companies with a proven track record of favourable results, however, working capital financing for R&D purposes can be considered, in the context of expanding their activities.

The Start Loan is not granted to finance products and/or services that are not yet ready for commercialisation. That is, for example, technical testing of the prototype has not yet been successfully completed and interest in the market cannot yet be demonstrated.

Due to the European de minimis rule, PMV cannot accept loan applications for the following purposes:

• Transport sector: loans to finance rolling stock used to transport goods on behalf of third parties. However, financing of a bus, ambulance or taxi is allowed.
• Agricultural activities
• Financing applications for activities aimed at export, e.g. a sales office abroad.
• Trading activities