In Nigeria, there are over 37 million MSMEs contributing to over 50% of Nigeria’s GDP. However, less than 5% of these businesses have adequate access to credit in the financial system.
MSMEs are, collectively, the largest employers in many low-income countries including Nigeria, yet their viability is being threatened by lack of access to risk-management tools such as savings, insurance, and credit. Indeed, their growth is often stifled by restricted access to credit, equity and payments services.
About Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN)
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) was conceived by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) in collaboration with global development partners to address the major financing challenges facing Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.
Its main objective is to alleviate financing constraints faced by MSMEs and small Corporates in Nigeria through the provision of financing and partial credit guarantees to eligible financial intermediaries on a market-conforming and fully financially sustainable basis.
Also Read: Business Grants & Funding For Businesses In Nigeria
Who can get a DBN loan?
All MSMEs (startups or existing) involved in productive enterprises are eligible to get a loan from the Development Bank of Nigeria. DBN is poised to provide funding and risk-sharing guarantees through Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs), who will then on-lend to end beneficiaries.
In other to access these loans, it is required that the business must be a customer of any of the eligible Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) in Nigeria. The PFIs includes major Commercial Banks, Microfinance Banks, Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and other Financial Institutions.
How to get a DBN Loan
1. Visit your bank: Commercial Bank, Microfinance Bank, Development Finance Institution (DFI) and other Financial Institutions and indicate you want to apply for a DBN Loan.
2. The Bank appraises the business and loan purpose, and if its assessment is favourable, the Bank applies to DBN for funding.
3. If DBN approves the loan, DBN will disburse to the Bank for on-lending to end borrowers.
Also Read: Top 10 Early-Stage Startup Investors And VCs In Nigeria.
DBN loans frequently asked questions
Do you want to know more about DBNs loan services? Here are answers to frequently asked questions that might help you.
* Can businesses borrow directly from DBN?
No, Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) does not lend directly to businesses. DBN loan is channelled through PFIs. PFIs carry out the credit evaluation and supervision of the loan.
* How many years do I have to pay back the loan?
Depending on the nature of your business and loan purpose, you may have up to 18 months moratorium on principal repayment for working capital & investment projects, and up to 10 years to repay the loan.
* What is the interest rate?
DBN loan offers flexible interest rates that are based on tenure and referenced to market rates.
* How does DBN loan differ from other commercial loans?
DBN loan is specifically targeted at small businesses to ensure that such businesses have increased access to financing. In addition, DBN loans have a longer tenure than other commercial loans, which are usually short-term.