The Central Bank of Nigeria, pursuant to the CBN Act, 2007 and as part of its policy measures to address rising youth unemployment and underemployment, developed the Tertiary Institutions Entrepreneurship Scheme (TIES), in partnership with Nigerian polytechnics and universities to harness the potential of graduate entrepreneurs (gradpreneurs) in Nigeria.
OBJECTIVES OF THE SCHEME
The broad objective of the Scheme is to enhance access to finance by undergraduates and graduates of polytechnics and universities in Nigeria with innovative entrepreneurial and technological ideas.
Other specific objectives of the Scheme include:
- Provide an enabling environment for co-creation, mentorship and development of entrepreneurial and technological innovations; Classified as Confidential
- Fast track ideation, creation and acceleration of a culture of innovation driven entrepreneurship skills among graduates of polytechnics and universities in Nigeria
- Promote gender balance in entrepreneurship development through capacity development and improved access to finance
- Leapfrog entrepreneurial capacity of undergraduates and graduates for entrepreneurship and economic development in partnership with academia and industry practitioners
- Address rising youth unemployment and underemployment
- The Scheme aims to provide an innovative financing model that will boost job creation, enhance entrepreneurship development, and support economic growth.
- Boost contribution of non-oil sector to the nation’s GDP
REQUIREMENTS
Some of the key requirements of this loan include:
- Prospective applicants shall attend mandatory entrepreneurship trainings with their respective Nigerian polytechnics and universities and certificates of completion issued to trainees
- Applications shall be submitted on a dedicated online portal (https://cbnties.com.ng ), with copies of relevant documents attached for review, which shall include the following:
- First degree certificate (BSc/HND/or its equivalent)
- National Youth Service Certificate (NYSC) discharge or exemption certificate
- Certificate of Participation issued by polytechnics and universities evidencing entrepreneurship training
- Valid mobile phone number (linked to your NIN), BVN, NIN, TIN, and email address
- Evidence of business registration (certified true copies of relevant CAC documents)
- Corporate bank account number of business
ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES (AREAS OF BUSINESS)
The activities to be covered under the Scheme shall include innovative start-ups and budding businesses owned by graduates of Nigerian polytechnics and universities in the following areas:
- Agribusiness – production, processing, storage, and logistics
- Information technology – application/software development, business process outsourcing, robotics, data management
- Creative industry – entertainment, artwork, publishing, culinary/event management, fashion, photography, beauty/cosmetics
- Science and technology – medical innovation, robotics, ticketing
LOAN CATEGORIES
There are two Loan Categories in the Scheme. They are Sole Proprietors and Small Company / Enterprise TIES Loan.
- Sole Proprietors: Businesses owned by one person can access up to N5 Million Loan under the Loan Scheme.
- Loan Duration (Tenor): 5 years
- Interest Rate: 5% from date of collection to February 28, 2022 (and 9% from March 1, 2022)
- Moratorium: Maximum of 12 months (dependent on the type of business)
2. Small Company / Enterprise: Group-owned businesses must be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and certified true copies (CTC) of relevant forms submitted.
- The group can access up to N25 Million loans under the TIES Loan Scheme.
- Loan Duration (Tenor): 5 years
- Interest Rate: 5% from date of collection to February 28, 2022 (and 9% from March 1, 2022)
- Moratorium: Maximum of 12 months (dependent on the type of business)
CONCLUSION
CBN graduate loan is a great step in the right direction at addressing the rising youth unemployment and underemployment. This scheme aids in boosting innovating finance model that will boost job creation, enhance entrepreneurship development and support economic growth.
