Financing Investments in the Supply Chain with the Inventory Investment

Vorratsinvest by the Oesterreichische Kontrollbank (OeKB) offers Austrian export companies and their suppliers an attractive option for medium- to long-term financing of inventory and supplier credits. The objective is to secure delivery readiness and capability along the international supply chain and to avoid supply disruptions. Funding is provided to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with an export quota of more than 20% and a registered office or branch in Austria. The loan term can be up to 60 months, with the funding rate ranging between 20% and 100% depending on the export quota. Applications can still be submitted to the house bank until December 31, 2040, which reviews the project together with the OeKB and the Federal Ministry of Finance and refinances it if applicable.

Eligible expenses include the average inventory levels of the last three financial years and supplier credits aimed at securing delivery readiness. The refinancing framework is graduated according to the export quota: for example, companies with a quota > 40% can finance up to 40% of their inventory, while those with a quota > 90% can finance up to 100%. The OeKB assumes up to 30% of the credit risk in the form of a bill guarantee, which further improves the conditions. To apply, the “Vorratsinvest” application form, SEPA direct debit mandate, declarations from the borrower, the form for calculating indirect export sales, and a bill of exchange are required. The state liability assumption is granted until 2040 – thus, interested companies can sustainably and cost-effectively secure their export activities and strengthen their competitiveness in international markets.