Zenith Bank lends ₦2–₦200 million to registered SMEs for working capital, equipment, and expansion across manufacturing, trade, agriculture, and services. You need 2 years' trading history, a clean credit record, and collateral depending on loan size.
Zenith Bank's SME Loan Scheme offers short-term and medium-term credit facilities to small and medium enterprises to finance working capital needs, asset acquisition, and business expansion. The product is structured to accommodate a wide range of sectors including trade, manufacturing, and services. Businesses benefit from structured repayment plans and access to Zenith Bank's robust digital banking infrastructure.
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Zenith Bank assesses applications based on your business registration, financial track record, credit history, and collateral. They typically evaluate cash flow and ability to repay within your proposed tenor. The bank will contact you within 2–4 weeks for additional information or to proceed with a facility letter and documentation.
What reviewers look for
Rates vary by loan size, tenor, collateral, and your credit profile. Zenith will quote a specific rate in your facility letter after assessment. Typically, SME rates range from 18–28% per annum, but this is not fixed.
Usually 2–6 weeks from submission, depending on document completeness and whether the bank needs to inspect collateral or seek clarification.
The scheme prefers 2 years' operation, but early-stage businesses may be considered if you can show strong revenue or have existing banking relationships with Zenith. Contact your branch to discuss.
Missed payments damage your credit record with CRMS and can result in collateral seizure or legal action by the bank. Always communicate early if repayment becomes difficult.
Collateral requirements depend on the loan size and your credit standing. Smaller loans or strong credit histories may need less or no collateral, but the bank will specify this in your facility letter.
Guide written from the official programme page on 16 October 2026. Funders change their rules, so confirm the details on the official page before you apply.
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