The ap bank's lending program is an initiative to ensure that money is used in accordance with citizens’ good intentions, and to create financial flows in which money circulates in a sustainable way. ap bank lending is not focused on environmental projects done by big business, but rather, on smaller projects that are implemented by local people in their own communities.

Loans can be up to five million yen, for a maximum of ten years, and at a fixed interest rate of one percent
per year. Only projects with an environmental focus are eligible (for example, renewable energy), but there is no restriction on the type of entity applying for a loan. Eligible applicants include individuals, non-profit organizations, non-governmental organizations, companies with or without publicly listed shares, and so on. Although there are many worthwhile projects to fund around the world (and we would love to support them), our present focus is on lending for environmental projects based in Japan.

Proposals are accepted twice a year (in summer and winter). Lending decisions are made after rigorous initial and second reviews by the loan review committee, which consists of ap bank co-founders Takeshi Kobayashi and Kazutoshi Sakurai, as well as experts in law, taxation, banking, and other areas.

Examples of environmental projects that have received loans from ap bank to date include renewable energy projects (electricity generation from wind, solar, biomass, etc.), a project to convert used paper diapers into solid fuel, and a project to restore an abandoned house using traditional craftsmanship. ap bank loans also produce other benefits, like promoting renewable energy through community participation, disseminating new technologies, and passing on traditional Japanese technologies that coexist with nature and are attuned to the local surroundings.

By supporting the efforts of people in local communities through its loans, ap bank aims to multiply the number of people who realize that they can truly change the world. We also hope to connect these people to one another, help build their momentum, and create the future—together.