SAGE Micro Loans

SAGE NSW Inc became a registered charity in 2024 and subsequently received a generous donation. Some of these funds, and funds from further donations, support a micro loan program managed by the SAGE Management Committee.  

Micro loans will support the strategic objectives of SAGE to increase the supply and demand of fresh local food, grow the local food economy through skills, jobs, and business opportunities, and provide fresh local food for people in need.

The project aims to address the difficulties some small food producers face trying to access finance for important infrastructure and inputs for their farming operations.

Enquiries can be directed to the SAGE Secretary via email to secretary@sageproject.org.au

Eligibility

To be an eligible you must have;

• Have a current registered Australian Business Number (ABN)
• Be a current SAGE member 
• Operate within 160km radius of the SAGE market
• Not have an outstanding SAGE micro loan

Eligible activities and/or items must show how they align or contribute to at least one or more of the following of SAGEs strategic objectives;

• Increase supply and demand of fresh local food
• Provide fresh local food for people in need
• Grow the local food economy through skills, jobs, and business opportunities

Eligible activities and items include tangible assets such as

• Infrastructure
• Tools
• Seeds and seedlings
• Soil amendements
• Equipment
• Machinery

 Ineligible activities and/or items include intangible assets such as

• General business activity including costs associated with administration, marketing and/or subscriptions
• Lease fees/rents
• Cash flow
• Wages
• Debts
• Tax

In extenuating circumstances, such as a natural disaster, the committee may consider ineligible items for long standing SAGE growers.

 Application and assessment process

Payback period and conditions

Loan Security and Defaults