Sterling Bank and DBN Launch ₦20 Billion Loan Scheme for Women Entrepreneurs in Nigeria

Sterling Bank, in collaboration with the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), has introduced a ₦20 billion funding initiative dedicated to supporting women-owned and women-led businesses across Nigeria.

This initiative seeks to empower female entrepreneurs with access to affordable business loans, enabling them to expand their ventures, create employment opportunities, and strengthen Nigeria’s economic growth.

The program focuses on breaking financial barriers that often limit women’s participation in business. Through this funding, qualified applicants can access up to ₦75 million in business financing with flexible repayment plans and minimal collateral requirements.

Key Details of the ₦20 Billion Women Funding Scheme

Total Fund Size: ₦20 Billion
Maximum Loan Amount: ₦75 Million per business
Repayment Tenure: Up to 3 years
Target Group: Women-led or women-owned businesses in Nigeria
Eligible Sectors: Healthcare, Education, Agriculture, Fashion, Food & Beverage
Partners: Sterling Bank and Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN)

Benefits of the Loan Scheme

• Access up to ₦75 million in affordable capital to expand or stabilize your business
• Enjoy a flexible 3-year repayment structure suitable for small and medium enterprises
• Loans specially designed to support women entrepreneurs in key sectors
• Backed by reputable Nigerian financial institutions
• Encourages business sustainability and growth across local industries

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the Sterling Bank and DBN women-focused loan program, applicants must:

1. Be a female entrepreneur or owner of a women-led business.
2. Have a registered business operating legally within Nigeria.
3. Operate in any of the eligible sectors listed above.
4. Demonstrate a clear plan for business expansion and financial sustainability.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official Sterling Bank or DBN application portal.
2. Review the full details of the program and confirm your eligibility.
3. Fill out the online application form with correct business details.
4. Submit your application before the official closing date.

Interested applicants are advised to prepare all necessary business documents, including their CAC registration, business plan, and financial statements, to improve their chances of approval.

Why This Matters

This initiative comes at a time when access to financing remains one of the biggest challenges for female entrepreneurs in Nigeria. The ₦20 billion partnership between Sterling Bank and DBN not only addresses the funding gap but also aligns with national and global efforts to promote financial inclusion and gender equality in business.

Empowering women through financial support has been proven to drive community development, innovation, and poverty reduction. Programs like this reinforce the importance of investing in women as powerful agents of economic growth.

The Sterling Bank–DBN ₦20 Billion Women Business Fund presents a golden opportunity for Nigerian women entrepreneurs looking to grow, scale, or restructure their businesses. With access to up to ₦75 million in low-interest loans and supportive repayment options, this initiative is set to transform the landscape of women-owned enterprises across the country.

👉 Interested women entrepreneurs can apply now via the official Sterling Bank or DBN loan application portal.