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SMEDAN x Sterling ₦5 Billion MSME Fund

Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) / Sterling Bank · Bank / Financial Institution
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Image from Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) / Sterling Bank
Image: Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) / Sterling Bank · source

Quick answer

Is it real?
Yes. This is a real programme run by Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) / Sterling Bank. GrantPilot checked its official page on 1 November 2026.
Status
Open (no fixed deadline, or applications accepted on a rolling basis).
What you can get
₦250,000 – ₦2,500,000
Who can apply
Registered with SMEDAN (free to register) (see the full list below)
How to apply
Directly to Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) / Sterling Bank on their official page (sterling.ng). Applying is free: never pay anyone to apply or to "release" funds.

GrantPilot does not give out this funding; Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) / Sterling Bank does. We help you find it, check it is real and get ready to apply.

About this opportunity

A loan scheme run jointly by SMEDAN and Sterling Bank offering single-digit interest rates to registered Nigerian SMEs. You need SMEDAN registration and a track record of trading.

Single-digit interest rate loan partnership between SMEDAN and Sterling Bank providing affordable financing to registered Nigerian SMEs. Administered through SMEDAN's official portal with flexible terms and accessible underwriting criteria.

Who can apply

  • Registered with SMEDAN (free to register)
  • Business registered with CAC or SMEDAN
  • Demonstrated business activity and operating history

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Full eligibility wording from the listing

SMEDAN registration (free, mandatory). Business must be registered with CAC or SMEDAN. Demonstrated business activity and operating history preferred. Single-digit interest rates available to qualifying SMEs.

Documents you will need

  • SMEDAN registration certificate
  • CAC registration or SMEDAN registration proof
  • Business plan
  • Financial statements or records showing trading history
  • Bank statements (typically 6–12 months)
  • Personal identification (valid ID, address proof)
  • Tax compliance records (if applicable)
  • Collateral documentation (if required by Sterling Bank)

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How to apply, step by step

  1. Register with SMEDAN if you are not already registered. Registration is free.
  2. Ensure your business is registered with CAC or SMEDAN.
  3. Log into SMEDAN's official portal and locate the Sterling Bank loan application.
  4. Complete the application form with your business details, trading history, and financial information.
  5. Upload required documents through the portal.
  6. Submit your application and wait for initial review by SMEDAN staff.
  7. If shortlisted, work with Sterling Bank on final underwriting and loan approval.
Save and track it and we will email you 14 days, 7 days, 3 days, 24 hours and on the morning of the deadline.

How applications are selected

SMEDAN and Sterling Bank review applications through the SMEDAN portal using accessible underwriting criteria focused on your registration status, trading history, and ability to service a loan at single-digit rates. The scheme has flexible terms, so approval is not based on stringent collateral requirements alone. Processing timelines are not stated, but you should allow several weeks after submission.

What reviewers look for

  • Have clear, recent business records showing consistent trading activity—lenders want to see you are operating, not dormant.
  • Your SMEDAN registration must be current and in good standing.
  • Demonstrate how you will use the loan (working capital, equipment, stock). Vague requests attract scrutiny.
  • Show that your business can service repayment at single-digit rates. Include cash flow projections.
  • If you have a CAC registration, keep it active and in compliance with filing requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be registered with both CAC and SMEDAN?

No. You need to be registered with either CAC (Corporate Affairs Commission) or SMEDAN, and you must have SMEDAN registration to qualify for this loan.

How much can I borrow?

The listing does not state a minimum or maximum loan amount. Contact Sterling Bank directly through SMEDAN's portal or ask during application.

What is the interest rate?

Single-digit rates are available to qualifying SMEs, but the exact rate depends on your business profile and will be set during underwriting with Sterling Bank.

How long does the application take?

The sources do not state a processing timeline. Typically, loan applications take 4–8 weeks from submission to approval decision.

Is there a deadline to apply?

The listing does not state a closing date. Applications appear to be rolling, so you can apply at any time, but funds may be limited and allocated on a first-come basis.

Guide written from the official programme page on 1 November 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.

How GrantPilot can help you apply

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