The N20 Billion Funding Scheme For Women Owned Businesses

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The Partnership That Puts Women First

Sterling Bank, in collaboration with the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), is unlocking access to a pool of N20 Billion in capital for women-led businesses across Nigeria. This initiative was created to remove the financial barriers that limit how far women can take their businesses.

Through this fund, each women founded business can access up to ₦75 million in affordable, growth-focused loans designed to scale their impact in sectors like healthcare, education, agriculture, fashion, and food & beverage.

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Here’s why you should seize this opportunity:

  • Up to ₦75M in capital to grow or scale your business
  • Flexible 3-year repayment plan
  • Designed specifically for women-owned businesses
  • Backed by a credible national development institution (DBN)
  • Supports your business across its growth journey
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* Terms & Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Sterling Women Empower Fund?

The Sterling Women Empower Fund is a tailored term loan offering for business women for expansion, stocking and renovation works. It also provides affordable finance to women businesses looking to acquire assets related to their line of business.

Who can access this facility?

This loan is available to women businesses that meet at least one of the following conditions:

  • At least 51% owned by a woman or group of women.
  • At least 20% owned by a woman, with at least one woman in a key leadership role (e.g., CEO, COO, MD, VP).
  • At least 30% of board representation by women (where applicable).

Your business must be registered and operating in Nigeria, and fall within one of the eligible sectors.

What sectors are eligible?

The loan supports women owned and run businesses in the Export, Health, Education, Agric, Fashion & Lifestyle, Manufacturing, and Food & Beverage businesses and returning female SME customers across segments excluding those involved in ammunition, haulage and Oil & Gas.

What are the available loan limits?

Loan amounts depend on your business profile and purpose of the loan:

Under the Business Support Facility (BSF):

  • First-time borrowers:
       Up to ₦15 million (Unsecured)
       Up to ₦35 million (Secured)
  • Returning customers:
       Up to ₦40 million (Unsecured)
       Up to ₦75 million (Secured)


Under the Asset Finance Facility:

  • Up to ₦50 million for asset acquisition
  • Equity contribution required (Customer: 20% – 40%, Bank: 60% – 80%)
Do I need to provide collateral?

Unsecured options are available for qualifying first-time borrowers up to ₦15 million while higher loan amounts require acceptable collateral.
Asset finance loans typically use the financed asset as collateral, alongside your equity contribution.

What is the repayment tenor?

BSF loans: Up to 2 years (24 months)
Asset Finance: Up to 2 years, depending on the useful life of the asset

Do I need to be a Sterling Bank customer to apply?

No. However, once your loan is approved, you must open a Sterling Bank business account to receive the disbursement and process repayments.

How affordable is the loan?

This facility offers a competitive interest rate of 28%.

How long does it take to process the loan?

Once all required documents are submitted, you can expect a response within 5 – 7 business days.

How do I apply?

Visit any Sterling Bank branch, your Relationship Manager, or apply through the bank’s official SME channels. Our team will support you through application, evaluation, and disbursement.

Application Form

Please complete the form below to express your interest in the Sterling Women Empower Fund.

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