1.The ESMBA is introducing a Loan Scheme to assist member Counties and Clubs.The Scheme is intended primarily to provide finance to assist in the purchase of equipment, but applications for finance for other purposes connected with the game of Short Mat Bowls will be considered.
2.An individual loan will be limited to a maximum of £2,000 or to 75% of the total cost of the project, whichever is the smaller.Where grant aid or other loans are being obtained, the ESMBA loan will be limited to 75% of the balance after deduction of the grant aid or other loan(s).
3.A County Association may only have one loan in operation at any time.
4.Applications will be dealt with in order of receipt. Where applications for loans exceed the amount available to be loaned, then priority will be given to applicants who have not received a loan in the past.
5.Applications for loans to Clubs will be considered, but the application must be made via the County Association.The loan will be made to and must be guaranteed by the County Association.
6.The loans will be interest free but there will be an administration fee of £10 for each loan.
7.Where the purpose of the loan is to purchase equipment, the equipment will be purchased by the ESMBA and ownership transferred to the County Association (or Club) on payment of the last repayment instalment.The County Association contribution will be paid to the ESMBA immediately the equipment is purchased and the loan repaid by regular monthly instalments over a maximum period of 2 years.Repayments must be by bank standing order.
8.Where the purpose of the loan is not for the purchase of equipment, similar repayment arrangements will be required together with a guarantee by the County Committee that the loan will be repaid.
9.Applications must be accompanied by quotes for the equipment/work.Three quotes will normally be required and the one offering the best value for money accepted.If less than three quotes are provided or the best value quote is not to be accepted then reasons must be given for wishing to use the specific supplier(s) concerned.
10.Evidence must be provided that appropriate insurance arrangements exist to cover the equipment purchased under the scheme throughout the repayment period.
11.Applications for loans must be accompanied by a copy of the County Association’s Constitution and a copy of the minutes of the appropriate Committee or other meetings at which the decision to apply for a loan was approved.
12.A representative of the ESMBA will normally visit the applicant to ensure that suitable secure storage arrangements will exist for the equipment to be purchased or to view the proposed works which will be the subject of the loan.
13.Applications should be made on a copy of the Application Form reproduced overleaf.The completed form should be sent to the ESMBA General Secretary.
