The “100 fürs Baselbiet” (100 for Basel-Landschaft) initiative is aimed at established SMEs or startups connected to the canton of Basel-Landschaft. Launched by the Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank (BLKB), the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) and the economic development agency of Baselland, the initiative aims to enable “100 companies with current or future value creation in the canton to take a decisive step forward in their development”. It will combine access to financial resources with advisory services.

“The initiative is an example of how we at BLKB understand sustainability and planning for the future,” said Beat Röthlisberger, head of corporate customary advisory services at BLKB. “We are breaking new ground in corporate financing to complement traditional lending, and we are addressing target groups beyond our core business.”

Companies that are interested in receiving support through the initiative can now apply online. Candidates will undergo a two-stage selection process, before a final decision is made by an advisory board. Successful applicants will receive a loan of between CHF 100,000 and CHF 500,000 at an “attractive interest rate depending on the risk” with a three-year term. During those three years, the companies will also receive advisory services from an initiative mentor and have access to the networks of BLKB and the economic development agency of Baselland.