Firstly, it is important to understand the eligibility criteria for accessing the fund. According to the CBN, eligible SMEs must have verifiable evidence of business activities adversely affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, have a maximum of 200 employees, and an annual turnover of less than N100 million. Additionally, eligible SMEs must have been in operation for at least one year and have a valid bank account.
Once you have established that your SME meets the eligibility criteria, the next step is to prepare the necessary documents for the application. These documents include a formal application letter, a business plan, a letter of introduction from the SME’s bank, and evidence of business registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Other documents may also be required depending on the specific requirements of the bank or financial institution handling the application.
After preparing the necessary documents, the next step is to identify the participating financial institutions handling the fund. The CBN has designated NIRSAL Microfinance Bank, which is a subsidiary of the Nigeria Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), as the primary financial institution responsible for disbursing the fund to eligible SMEs. However, other financial institutions such as commercial banks, microfinance banks, and development finance institutions may also participate in the program.
Once you have identified a participating financial institution, the next step is to submit your application and supporting documents. The application process may vary depending on the institution, but generally, the process involves filling out an application form, submitting the necessary documents, and undergoing a credit appraisal process. The credit appraisal process involves the financial institution assessing the SME’s creditworthiness based on factors such as the SME’s financial statements, credit history, and business plan.
If your application is successful, the financial institution will disburse the fund to your SME. It is important to note that the fund is not a grant and must be repaid within a specified period. The interest rate for the fund is 5% per annum, and the repayment period is 3 years with a moratorium of up to 12 months. This means that SMEs have up to 12 months before they start making repayments.
In conclusion, the N50 billion CBN Covid-19 intervention fund presents a valuable opportunity for eligible SMEs to access financial support during these difficult times. However, the process of accessing the fund requires careful planning and preparation. SMEs should ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria, prepare the necessary documents, identify participating financial institutions, and undergo a credit appraisal process. With these steps, SMEs can increase their chances of accessing the fund and securing the financial support they need to keep their businesses afloat.