Business Loans in Nigeria: working capital for SMEs and side hustles
Financing for Nigerian small businesses — from market traders and online vendors to registered SMEs. Borrow for stock, equipment or expansion, and repay from your business income on a schedule that matches how you earn.
What can a business loan do for you?
A business loan puts working capital into your hands when your business needs it — not months later. The most common uses among Nigerian SMEs are restocking inventory before peak seasons, buying equipment (freezers, generators, sewing machines, POS terminals), funding a bulk order that a customer has already committed to, and opening or renovating a shop.
Unlike salary loans, repayment is structured around your business cash flow: weekly or monthly instalments over an agreed tenure, with the full cost fixed and shown before you accept.
Qualifying criteria
- A business that has been trading for at least [6] months [confirm minimum]
- Verifiable business income — bank statements, POS records or marketplace sales history
- BVN and a valid means of identification
- CAC registration for larger amounts [confirm threshold] — unregistered traders can still qualify for smaller loans
Recently passed-out corps members starting a business can combine this with what they learned from SAED skills training — and if you are still serving, a corper loan may be the simpler route.
Documents you will need
Last [6] months of your business account
NIN, passport or driver’s licence
If registered — required above [₦X — confirm]
Utility bill, shop rent receipt or similar
How to apply
- 1. Tell us about your business and how much you need.
- 2. Upload statements and ID — no trips to a branch.
- 3. Review your offer, accept, and fund your next move.
Business Loans FAQs
Do I need a registered company?
Not necessarily. Smaller loans are available to unregistered traders with verifiable income. CAC registration unlocks larger amounts and longer tenures. [Confirm thresholds.]
Is collateral required?
For most SME loan sizes, no — your income history does the work. Very large facilities may require security; that will be stated clearly in the offer. [Confirm policy.]
Can online vendors and POS agents apply?
Yes. Marketplace sales history, POS transaction records and bank inflows all count as verifiable business income.
How fast is disbursement?
Once your documents are verified and you accept the offer, funds go to your account — typically within [24–48 hours — confirm real figure].