The Lazio regional government is to begin granting low-interest loans to marginalised people or groups as part of a policy of supporting micro-credit schemes favouring poverty reduction and social integration in the region. The initiative will benefit four categories in particular: small businesses operating in the black economy; groups of home owners wanting to make their apartment building more environmentally friendly or accessible to people with disabilities; immigrants and elderly people needing emergency credit; and former prisoners. Potential candidates for loans will be identified by a specially chosen network of organisations operating in the non-profit sector. Eligibility will then be assessed on a case by case basis with preference going to people without the financial guarantees needed to access an ordinary bank loan. The Region has already allocated 500,000 euro to the scheme, while a further three million euro will be raised by issuing bonds.