Are you a Nigerian graduate with a business idea but need affordable funding to start or grow your venture? The Central Bank of Nigeria Tertiary Institutions Entrepreneurship Scheme (CBN TIES) is a government initiative that helps empower graduates through low‑interest loans, business support and training, and in this post, we’ll show you how to apply, who qualifies, what requirements you need, and tips to increase your chances of success.
If you’re also curious about other programs like CBN creative industry funding or national youth entrepreneurial funds, stay tuned — we’ll touch on related opportunities too.
What is CBN TIES?
CBN TIES stands for Central Bank of Nigeria Tertiary Institutions Entrepreneurship Scheme. It’s designed to support Nigerian university and polytechnic graduates with business funding through:
- Affordable loans
- Equity investment for start‑ups
- Grants for high‑impact ideas – (Central Bank of Nigeria)
The main goal is to reduce unemployment, boost entrepreneurship culture, and help graduates turn ideas into profitable ventures – (Businessday NG)
Who is Eligible to Apply?
To qualify for the CBN TIES Term Loan Component, you must:
- Be a graduate of a Nigerian university or polytechnic
- Have completed NYSC with a Discharge or Exemption certificate
- Have a certificate of participation in entrepreneurship training from your school
- Be not more than 7 years post‑NYSC (from discharge/exemption date)
Undergraduates cannot apply directly for the loan, but they may benefit from project competitions under the scheme’s Developmental Component.
Types & Amount of Loans Available
The Term Loan under CBN TIES includes two main tiers:
Tier 1 – Individual Entrepreneurs
- Up to ₦5 million
- Repayment Tenor: Up to 5 years
- Interest Rate: 5% per annum (set to adjust over time)
- Moratorium: Up to 12 months
Tier 2 – Partnership or Company Projects
- Up to ₦25 million
- Same tenor and interest features as Tier 1
- Must be a registered business (CAC documentation required)
Note: Trading businesses are not eligible — focus must be on entrepreneurial and high‑impact sectors like tech, agribusiness, creative industries, renewable energy, and manufacturing.
Documents You Need to Apply
Before applying, ensure you have these ready to upload:
- First Degree Certificate (BSc, HND, or equivalent)
- NYSC Discharge or Exemption Certificate
- Certificate of Participation in Entrepreneurship Training
- Global Standing Instruction (GIS) signed by you
- Projected Statement of Income and Cash Flow (for new businesses)
- Detailed Business Plan showing project viability
Step‑by‑Step: How to Apply for CBN TIES Loan
Follow this process to submit your application successfully:
- Visit the official TIES portal:
https://cbnties.com.ng - Click “Apply Now” or “Register”
- Create an account using a valid email and phone number
- Complete the application form — include all business and personal details
- Upload the required documents (certificates, plan, projections)
- Submit your application and print or save the confirmation page for your records
No fees are required to submit or process your application. CBN does not charge any agent or third party for the application process.
Tips to Improve Your Application Success
- Write a clear business plan — lenders look for realistic goals and financial projections.
- Complete mandatory entrepreneurship training before applying.
- Upload high‑quality scanned documents — poor scans may delay processing.
- Be prepared for verification — original documents may be asked for due diligence.
- Choose projects with strong job‑creation potential — CBN prioritizes high‑impact ideas.
Other Opportunities Related to CBN TIES
While TIES focuses on graduates, other initiatives that may interest you include:
- CBN Creative Industry financing – for creatives and tech entrepreneurs
- Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) – broader youth funding program
- Student Loan Scheme (NELFUND) – separate loan initiative for students
Most of these can be applied for online and often require BVN, NIN, and a business plan or project proposal. (General guidance; check respective portals for specifics.) (Reddit)
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can undergraduates apply for TIES loan?
A: No – only graduates who have completed NYSC can apply for the term loan. However, the development component involves competitions for students – (Central Bank of Nigeria)
Q: Is the CBN TIES loan interest‑free?
A: No — the term loan has a low interest rate (5% per annum initially, subject to change) – (Mediangr)
Q: Do I need collateral?
A: Yes — certificates and signed GIS serve as collateral and are registered on the National Collateral Registry (NCR).
Q: Is there an age limit?
A: You must be within 7 years post‑NYSC to be eligible.
Conclusion: Start Your Entrepreneurial Journey with CBN TIES
The CBN TIES loan scheme is one of Nigeria’s most empowering programs for graduate entrepreneurs — offering soft loans, investment opportunities, and capacity building to help launch or expand your business.
Whether you’re in tech, agriculture, creative arts, or renewable energy, this updated guide gives you everything you need to apply confidently and securely on the official portal – (Mediangr)
If you’d like a free business plan template or loan application checklist, just ask!
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