Recently, SMEDAN provided information regarding its roadmap for the development of MSMEs in Nigeria, which aims to generate 5 million new employment, 1 million new entrepreneurs, and a route for 40 million MSMEs to obtain all the ecosystem assistance necessary to hasten their company growth.
In this article, I will show you how to take advantage of the SMEDAN Programs.
Come with me!
The SMEDAN Act of 2003 established the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) with the aim of advancing the growth of the MSME sector within the Nigerian economy. The agency bills itself as an MSME Development One Stop Shop. Since micro enterprises are the foundation of SMEs, they are included in the Agency’s customers.
The goal of SMEDAN is to create an organized and effective micro, small, and medium-sized business sector that would support Nigeria’s long-term economic growth.
Functions Of SMEDAN
A thriving MSME sector is thought to be the key to Nigeria’s success and a means of battling poverty. As a result, SMEDAN can be regarded as a significant force behind the Nigerian economy due to its position as the “champion” for small enterprises.
Meanwhile, here are functions of SMEDAN:
- Via its main office in Abuja and several satellite offices around the nation, SMEDAN plays its part in supporting the growth of small enterprises.
- SMEDAN works with several partner organizations, including the Bank of Industry (BOI) and the Bank of Agriculture (BOA).
- Encourage, oversee, and plan the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs).
- Create and put into effect policies that support the expansion of MSMEs.
- Develop your capacity.
- Assist MSMEs in obtaining credit and other funding sources
Types Of SMEDAN Loans
SMEDAN often doesn’t provide out loans to companies directly. SMEDAN, on the other hand, serves as a middleman, bringing together qualified MSMEs and appropriate lenders.
Under some programs, SMEDAN collaborates with other governmental organizations to offer small businesses loans, including the BOI and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). Having stated that, SMEDAN focuses mostly on company growth and entrepreneurship training, with other organizations, like as BOA, BOI, CBN, etc., handling loan distribution.
Qualification Requirements For MSME Loan Through SMEDAN
Any MSMEs can apply for a loan through one of SMEDAN’s numerous programs. Typically, having a registered business is the primary prerequisite. However, businesses that are not yet registered can still apply and register later.
In addition to being a registered firm, a commercial bank will have its own lending requirements when asking for a loan. The majority of commercial banks have primary lending requirements, which SMEDAN may assist you in learning about.
SMEDAN can help small enterprises obtain loans from the public sector as well as private sector funding. Commercial banks, finance companies, and microfinance banks are a few examples.
How To Apply For MSME Loan Through SMEDAN
To apply for a loan through SMEDAN, there are two methods:
- The first option is to apply for a training program offered by SMEDAN. Second, before submitting a direct application for a commercial bank loan, you might utilize SMEDAN’s credit information portal.
- You can apply for a loan or sign up to participate in one of the several SMEDAN-sponsored programs in order to receive one. Usually, these programs entail training you in one or more business-related areas.
- You may need to visit a nearby SMEDAN office to register. After completing an application form there, you can receive an invitation to enroll in a course or training program. Additionally, you can register online through SMEDAN’s new MSME registration platform.
- After completing a course satisfactorily, some programs provide you with a soft loan or a conditional grant to launch or grow your firm. These “soft loans” frequently have lower interest rates and no collateral requirements.
It is typically necessary to either already have a registered business or be urged to register (as part of the program) regardless of whether you receive a grant or loan. The responsibility for registering firms in Nigeria lies with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
You might also need to register with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), depending on the kind of business you operate.
You would also need to create a business plan that outlines your plans for using the funds.
Documents Required For SMEDAN Loan Application
- Filled application form
- Business plan
- Cash flow budget
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Valid ID (driving license, passport, voters card)
- Proof of address
- Details of collateral offered
SMEDAN’s Credit Information Portal
When applying for a commercial bank loan, SMEDAN’s Credit Information Portal may come in handy. This portal functions essentially as a directory of lending options that may be accessible to Nigerian MSMEs.
Basic details regarding lenders, loan amounts, terms of repayment, and interest rates are all available on this page. There are three other credit choices available in addition to a company loan: credit cards, home loans, and personal loans.
Using the search feature of the portal, you can match yourself with suitable lenders depending on the information you submit. However, you are unable to apply to a lender right away via this online platform. Rather, you must apply straight to the relevant financial institution.