Frequently Asked Questions on AGSMEIS Free Collateral Loan in Nigeria

Frequently Asked Questions on AGSMEIS Free Collateral Loan in Nigeria

What is AGSMEIS?

The Agri-Business/Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Scheme is an initiative to support the Federal Government’s efforts and policy measures for the promotion of agricultural businesses and small/medium enterprises (SMEs) as vehicles for sustainable economic development and employment generation

Who is Eligible?

APPLY NOW

How Does It Work

Step 1Get Trained

Attend a compulsory training with a CBN certified Entrepreneurship Development Center (EDC).

Step 2Apply For Loan

The Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) guides and assists you in getting all necessary documents required to secure the loan

Step 3Receive Funds

Loans are paid into the account of beneficiaries. Unqualified candidates are given feedback.

Read Also: 25 Things You Need to know about 75Billion Naira MSME Survival Fund to support self-employed persons and MSMEs across Nigeria.

Step 4Get Business Support Services

The Entrepreneurship Development Institute assists you to implement business plan and provide business support services commercially.

Step 5Make Sales

Sell products and services to pay back loan and make profit.

Step 6Repay Loan

Run your business, keep proper records, monitor sales and expenses to maximize profit and pay back the loan.

Frequently Asked Questions on AGSMEIS Free Collateral Loan in Nigeria

How do I access the Loan?

Get trained by first selecting a CBN-Certified Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) to guide you through the loan application process and ensure that all your documents are complete.

What is the interest rate for this loan?

The interest rate is nine percent (9%) per annum.

Do I need collateral?

No, this loan scheme does not require a collateral.

How long will it take to receive funds?

This loan scheme is designed to be easily accessible. The entire process is automated. From application submission to disbursement takes six(6) to eight(8) weeks.

Has disbursement started?

Yes we have disbursed over N25B and this is still ongoing.

To further explain, the objectives of the scheme are to:

• Improve access of Agri-businesses, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to affordable and sustainable financing.

• Create more employment opportunities in the country, and

• Boost the managerial capacity of agri-businesses and MSMEs to grow the enterprises into large corporate organizations in accordance with the Federal Government’s growth agenda.

What Types of Businesses Does The Scheme Cover?

The scheme covers businesses within these areas:

• The agricultural value chain, covering production, inputs supply, storage, processing, logistics and marketing.

• MSMEs in the real sector including manufacturing, mining and petrochemicals.

• MSMEs in the service sector including information and communication technology (ICT) and the creative industry.

What Are the Procedures That Exists?

Financing under the Scheme is generally for start-ups, business expansion or revival of ailing companies and must be in compliance with provisions of BOFIA (1991) as amended The terms of the loans shall be as follows:

• Loan limit: N10,000,000

• Interest: 5% per annum

• Tenor: Up to 7 years (depending on the nature/gestation period of the project)

• Moratorium: Maximum of 18 months for principal and 6 months on interest.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria?

• All interested applicant must have been trained by an Entrepreneur Development Institute (EDI)

• All interested applicant will apply for loan via an EDI

• The applications will then be sent to CBN for processing

• All applicants will be called for an interview regarding his/her business.

• Applicants who’ve qualified will be contacted and given the loan.

• Fill clearly the new form with all the details required, sign and get them authenticated by EDC.

AGSMEIS LOAN SCHEME THROUGH CBN EDIs Documentation Requirements

For Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises:

• Your duly completed application form

• Your bank Verification Number (BVN)

• Your certificate of Training from recognized Entrepreneurship Development Institution (EDI) or evidence of membership of organized private sector association. e.g of EDI, Lagos Business School, House of Tara, Fate Foundation, Thrive Agric etc to access the loan.

• A Letter of Introduction from any of the following: Clergy, Village Head, District Head, Traditional Ruler, senior civil servant, etc. (for individuals/micro enterprises only).

• An evidence of registration of business name or certificate of incorporation and filing of annual returns (where applicable) in compliance with the provisions of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (1990).

• Your tax Identification Number (TIN) and current Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) Where applicable

What Is the Application Process

For Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises:

• Enrol with a CBN certified EDI for a one-week training

• Eligible applicants shall pick-up and submit a completed application form to the EDIs

• The EDI shall collate, appraise and submit applications to CBN.

• CBN shall consider the application and invite applicants for interviews

• Upon approval, CBN shall approve the loan and disburse to necessary vendors as applicable

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Read Also: 25 Things You Need to know about 75Billion Naira MSME Survival Fund to support self-employed persons and MSMEs across Nigeria.