Small Business

The small business department is building its business on a clear understanding of clients' (SMEs) business operations and requirements, and is driven by innovative thinking to guarantee the provision of creative solutions to its clients' business problems.

Our dedicated and skilled professionals are responsible for the management of the Bank's global equity investment and debt finance portfolio under SMEEIS (Small and Medium Enterprise Equity Investment Scheme). The bank's reserve for investment in small scale enterprises is currently over N3.7 billion. At Zenith Bank, our objective is to identify viable projects/business opportunities with good returns and strong growth prospects, managed by experienced, skilled, ambitious and credible people, requiring funding for growth and expansion.

In addition to funding, we provide business advisory and project management services to our clients/SMEs and help them imbibe good corporate governance practices. We also collaborate with institutions and agencies involved with Small and Medium Scale Enterprises activities, New Venture Funding and Microfinance.

• Business Focus
• Qualifying Criteria for SMEEIS Funding
• Conditions for Funding
• Required Documentation
• Download the SMEEIS Access Pre-qualification Form

Business Focus

Our focus is on the following strategic sectors:

• Agro-allied
• Information Technology and Telecommunications
• Manufacturing
• Educational Establishments
• Tourism and Leisure
• Solid Minerals and Construction
• Services (directly related to production in the real sector)

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Qualifying Criteria for SMEEIS Funding

The following are the qualifying criteria for equity investment in a company under SMEEIS as approved by the executive management of the Bank:

	Prospecting SME must be a limited liability company duly registered with CAC and should have an account with Zenith Bank PLC.
	Focus will centre mainly on growing small businesses with established market niche and credible management team.
	Zenith Bank will not participate in the funding of enterprises engaged in commerce(trading), banking and other financial services e.g insurance,stock broking,etc.
	Tenor of Investment is minimum of three years and maximum of five years.
	The Bank's equity investment in an SME shall be N20 million (minimum) and N500 million (maximum).
	Prospecting company must not be involved in any pending litigation case instituted against it or by itself.

Conditions for Funding

	The Bank shall have a seat on the Board of the SME
	The Bank will be involved in the appointment of a suitably qualified Financial Controller
	The company will execute an Equity Investment Agreement and Domiciliation of Sales Proceeds Agreement prior to disbursement.
	The Funds shall be tied to a project Cause preferably acquisition of specific fixed assets and/or working capital support.
	Promoters of the company should not be current directors or employees of banks.

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Required Documentation

Here is a checklist of documents required for accessing SMEEIS Funds in Zenith Bank

	CTC of Certificate of Incorporation
	CTC of Form C02 and Form C07
	CTC of Memo and Articles of Association
	Current tax clearance certificates of company and directors of company
	Completion of Pre-qualification form for SMEIS.
	Letter of application by the prospecting Investee company
	Comprehensive business plan of the project
	Current valuation report by a reputable Professional Valuer & Comprehensive Insurance Policy over company’s assets
	Three years audited reports for existing company, whilst for start-ups, current statement of affairs (Management account) and projections.

Download the Application form here >>

For futher enquries, please contact; Marvis -234-1-2782003, Ibrahim 234-1-2782031, Victor 234-1-2782012 or Email: smallbusiness@zenithbank.com