by The Central Bank of Nigeria by the directive of the Federal Government Federal Government, has announced the upcoming 2024/2025 FG CBN Loan and Grant for entrepreneurs. This has been announced by the new CBN Governor and the PORTAL has been opened for Application. So make sure to read till the end to know all you need to successfully apply and secure the grant and loan
The loan and grant scheme is designed to provide a financial boost to entrepreneurs and business owners, with the potential to unlock their full potential and help them achieve their goals. This will in turn spur the Nigerian economy and help create jobs and and growth in Nigeria
The grant and loan offer a substantial amount of ₦500,000 to ₦50,000,000. The amazing thing is that it is an interest-free loan and you do not need collateral to access the funds. This is by the Federal Government’s Initiative to help Jobless youths start-up businesses. So if you are an entrepreneur and have a business you want to start, this fund is meant to help you get started.
Types of CBN Loans and Grants
Now that you are aware of the variety of CBN loan alternatives and how they could benefit your business.
Agribusiness Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS)
Nigeria’s agricultural sector and associated businesses are expected to grow with the help of the Agri-Business Small and Medium Enterprises Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS). Since its inception, the CBN has contributed a substantial N136.13 billion to this program.
So how does your company benefit from the AGSMEIS loan?
• Repayment terms for loans up to 10 million Naira are seven years.
• Delaying the payment of interest for six months and the principal for eighteen months.
• Enjoy an incredibly low yearly interest rate of around 5%.
At this point, you might be wondering how your business will qualify for the AGSMEIS. It probably will if you take part in:
• overseeing agricultural production, processing, storage, or logistics.
• directing a small or medium-sized enterprise (SME) involved in regional ICT initiatives, manufacturing, farming, modular companies, mining, or refineries.
Anchor Borrowers Program (ABP)
The Anchor Borrowers Programme (ABP), which was introduced in November 2015, links smallholder farmers (SHFs) with reputable companies (anchors) that produce and handle significant agricultural commodities.
Since then, the CBN has provided funds to over 4.2 million SHFs in Nigeria. The intriguing aspect is that the program frequently chooses anchor borrowers to act as go-betweens for the banks and the farmers. They serve as a compassionate link that makes harmony possible in any circumstance.
As soon as the PFI approves an ABP loan, the money is deposited into the farmer’s account. The farmer can then use this money to buy the necessary goods from the anchor corporation.
When harvest time approaches, farmers consider the harvest season to be over. They sell it to the anchor corporation at a price that they have already agreed upon. Then, like a faithful friend, the anchor corporation takes care of the farmer’s loan payments.
To be eligible for an ABP loan, farmers must:
• participate in an out-grower arrangement or join a cooperative or association for farmers.
• hold a bank account with one of the participating financial institutions (PFI).
hold an active Bank Verification Number (BVN).
• avert becoming a defaulting borrower.
• establish a 10% minimum investment in stock.
•not participate in more than one farming season organization.
Youth Entrepreneurship Development Program (YEDP)
The Youth Entrepreneurship Development Program (YEDP) is a loan program designed to assist young Nigerians in launching small and medium-sized businesses. While applications from all types of businesses are welcome, the program is particularly focused on those in the following sectors:
• Agriculture’s Value Chain (fish, poultry, and snail farming, for instance)
• Solid mineral extraction and mining in the cottage sector
• The creative sector, which includes the arts, crafts, and tourism
• Information and communications technology (ICT)
Now let’s look at the details of the loan:
• You must be between the ages of 18 and 34.
• The period of a working capital facility is one year, whereas loan terms might extend up to three years.
• The program offers a grace period of three months for loan repayment.
• Loans up to N3 million are available to individuals, and up to N10 million are available to group projects owned by three or more qualified beneficiaries.
• The yearly interest rate is 9%, and the beneficiaries are required to furnish the NYSC Discharge Certificate as collateral.
• Graduate recipients also need to provide additional assurance in the form of verified certificates from universities.
• Craftspeople can apply for School Leaving Certificates, Technical Certificates, and approved Proficiency Certificates from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).
• Third-party guarantors may also provide additional collateral.
Any of CBN’s Entrepreneurship Development Centers (EDCs) will add you to a shortlist for training if you match the prerequisites. Furthermore, you will need:
• a succinct business strategy outlining your expected revenue and finance source.
• a Statement of Affairs (if applicable) is required for new businesses and those that have been in existence for less than three years.
• copies of the accurately completed offer documents that were traded between the bank and the loan applicants
• documentation for an incorporation certificate or business registration documents
• a concise overview of the company’s partners or directors and a minimum of one credit report on the owner or promoter
• a suggested timetable for the distribution and reimbursement of funds
• proof of a third-party guarantee that the lending bank has approved
Maize Aggregation Scheme (MAS)
The Maize Aggregation Scheme (MAS) was created to make it easier for feed millers, chicken farms, owners of silos and storage facilities, and confectionary businesses to obtain loans at reasonable rates.
The following are the key features of the Maize Aggregation Scheme:
• Low interest rates in the single digits—just 9% all-in at most.
• A maximum loan amount of two billion Naira is permitted.
• Only locally-grown maize is eligible for assistance.
• Repayments may be made in kind after a year.
Whom is this strategy meant for? You can use the MAS system if you are one of the following:
• operator of a feed mill
• poultry farmer;
• silo operator;
• warehouse operator;
• confectioner
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises Development Fund, or MSMEDF
The MSME Development Fund was created by the CBN in 2013 with the express purpose of assisting small and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) in obtaining financial services. Now, this fund can be utilized for several legitimate purposes, such as the following, and is not limited to any one of them:
• The agricultural value chain’s operations
• Cottage Industries
• Artists and Providers
• Energy-saving devices and innovations combined with renewable energy
• Trade and overall business transactions • Any additional economic activity that the CBN may occasionally mandate
Let’s take a closer look at the details of this loan:
• The annual percentage rate for the loan is 9%.
• Microbusinesses may use this facility for a maximum of one year.
• SMEs, on the other hand, have a little bit more wiggle room because their loan durations are longer—between one and five years. Clients can also choose to extend the loan repayment period if needed.
The Creative Industries Financing Initiative
Through the Creative Industry Financing Initiative, creative businesses have a fantastic opportunity to secure long-term, low-interest loans for their initiatives (CIFI). Only people working in the creative industries—fashion, IT (including student software development), filmmaking, and music distribution—are eligible for these loans.
Below is a quick rundown of the loan details:
• You can get loans up to three million Naira if you own an IT company, with a maximum three-year repayment period.
• Loans up to thirty million Naira are available to businesses involved in film production, with a maximum ten-year repayment duration.
• Loans of up to 500 million Naira are available to companies that distribute movies, with a maximum ten-year repayment period.
To be qualified for the Creative Industry Financing Initiative, you and your business need to:
• Participate in the creative industries (fashion, music, cinema, IT, etc.).
• Become registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
• Submit a comprehensive business proposal.
• Make sure that there are no outstanding debts listed on your credit bureau report.
• Make certain that an appropriate CRMS (Credit Risk Management System) report is sent to the directors, sponsors, and owners.
The Loan Eligibility Criteria
In other to access the grant and loan, you must meet the following eligibility criteria.
- You must have a solid business Idea or an existing business.
- Business age: Existing businesses must have been operating for at least 6 months, while new businesses may require a detailed business plan demonstrating viability.
- Sector: The loan is primarily aimed at SMEs in priority sectors identified by the CBN, which may include agriculture, manufacturing, export-oriented businesses, and renewable energy.
- Nationality: Applicants must be Nigerian citizens or registered business entities in Nigeria.
Loan Documentation
To apply for the loan, applicants must submit certain documents to prove their business’s financial health and potential. The required documents include:
- Valid means of identification: National ID card, driver’s license, international passport, or voter’s card.
- Business plan: For new businesses, a well-crafted business plan outlining the venture’s viability and financial projections is essential.
Depending on the loan amount and the business’s financial standing, applicants may need one or more guarantors with strong financial standing. In some cases, the CBN may also require collateral to secure the loan, such as landed property or equipment.
The loan amount is subject to specific conditions and may vary depending on the business type and financial needs. The maximum loan amount is ₦50,000,000.
How To Apply For The Loan
Choose Your Loan Application Channel
The FG CBN Loan offers two application channels: online and offline. The online application is the preferred and generally faster option. To apply online, applicants must head over to the CBN website and register their details.
On the other hand, if internet access is not available, applicants can visit their local CBN branch and submit a physical application form. The application form can be downloaded from the CBN website or obtained directly from the branch.
Gather Your Documents
Applicants must ensure that they have the necessary documents required for the loan application. These documents include, but are not limited to, business registration documents, bank statements, tax clearance certificates, and a valid means of identification. These documents must be scanned and readily accessible if applying online or neatly compiled in a folder for offline applications.
Complete the Loan Form
The application form requests details about the applicant’s business, loan purpose, financial projections, and guarantors (if applicable). It is important to be accurate, concise, and highlight the business’s potential for growth. The application form can be completed online or offline.
Submit Your Loan Application
Once the application form is completed, applicants can submit it online or offline. For offline applications, applicants must hand over their completed form at the CBN branch and obtain an acknowledgement receipt. For online applications, applicants must hit the submit button and wait for confirmation.
The CBN will review the application and may request additional information or clarification if needed. This process can take several weeks, so it is important to be patient and avoid bombarding them with inquiries.
Once the application is reviewed, applicants will receive notification via email or SMS (online) or a call/letter (offline) regarding the loan approval decision. If approved, congratulations! The applicant is on their way to ₦500,000 worth of financial fuel for their business.
Conclusion
The CBN Loan stands to provide needed funding for Nigerian SMEs. It presents a golden opportunity for you to start and grow your business. This will enable millions of youths to be able to set up their desired business. This initiative is to help alleviate poverty in Nigeria and also grow the economy and proved jobs for millions of people.
The Loan program is meticulously crafted to support Nigerian entrepreneurs in priority sectors, offering them the means to expand their businesses.
So if you meet the eligibility criteria and presenting an adequate application, you will surely get access to the funds, remember you can start you application through this page, we wish you good luck.
