The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) in partnership with Sterling Bank Plc announces the commencement of the SMEDAN/STERLING Bank Matching Fund Programme For Nano, Micro and Small Enterprises.
This intervention is to deliver credit to the sub-sector in six selected states, as a promotional mechanism to enhance enterprise output, competitiveness and job creation. The disbursing entity, under the programme shall be Sterling Bank Plc.
2. Programme Terms and Eligibility Criteria
i. Target Beneficiaries Definition: Target beneficiaries for this Programme shall be Nano, Micro and Small Enterprises (NMSES) operating in the real sector with value-added agricultural products.
ii. Financing available under the programme: Prospective beneficiaries may apply for financing within the range of N500,000 – N2.5 million.
iii. Conditions/Terms applicable:
A. The interest rate applicable on all financing under this programme shall not exceed single digit per annum
B. The financing tenor is for a maximum period of 30 months, effective from the date of first disbursement. This is inclusive of moratorium (which may vary between 3-6 months, depending on the type of enterprise.)
iv. Applicable Security:
a. The applicant/Enterprise must be within the Agribusiness value chain (Upstream, Midstream & Downstream);
b. The applicant/Enterprise must have CAC registration or State approved registration;
c. A moveable asset to be registered under the National Collateral Registry (NCR).
3. How to Apply
1. Portal Opening: NMSES can apply by clicking here.
Or by visiting the SMEDAN website and clicking on the SMEDAN/Sterling Bank Matching Fund Programme icon.
Once migrated to the smecredits portal, pre-qualification of applicants shall commence.
ii. Business Plans Submission: Pre-qualified applicants shall be required to pay a processing fee of ten thousand (N10,000.00) naira for the Business Plan template on the platform (Note: A separate training fee is not required).
Eligible States
Based on the criteria above, all suitably qualified Nano, Micro and Small Enterprises (MSES) located in the following states can apply:
- Anambra
- Bayelsa
- Delta
- Ebonyi
- Ekiti
- Osun
Application Deadline
It should be clearly understood that the particulars set out in paragraphs 2-3 above, form the basis for considering the application of qualified NMSEs which shall be received till 25 December 2022
