Apply for Providus Bank’s 2020 SME Challenge for Nigerian Entrepreneurs
Applications for Providus Bank’s SME Challenge 2020 are now open. The 2020 SME challenge is an initiative of Providus Bank and EDC (Enterprise Development Center) which aims at equipping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with skills and competencies that the SMEs require to be able to run their businesses profitably, defend sound and viable business proposals, efficient funds utilization, trade, access to markets and prepare the SMEs to access funding. EDC is the entrepreneurship center of the Pan-Atlantic University, on a mission to build a network of entrepreneurial leaders through commitment to continuous learning, process improvement and business integrity.
The SME Challenge will provide capacity building for SMEs in 3 phases:
Phase 1 – Capacity Building for 500 SMEs
500 candidates will be onboarded, trained and granted access to the SME toolkit’s resources. The SME toolkit contains a set of tools that will equip businesses to gain competitive advantage, free business advisory from renowned experts and access to software packages, business forms, training resources and templates that can help your business succeed.
Phase 2 – Business support for the top 50 SMEs
The top 50 candidates selected from the 500 will receive additional business consultations.
Phase 3 – Enterprise Development program for the top 15 SME’s
The top 15 SMEs will be given a customized enterprise development program coupled with intensive business support.
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Eligibility criteria
To be eligible for Providus Bank’s 2020 SME program, the applicant must be:
* A Nigerian
* 18 years and above
* Own a viable business that is registered and operated in Nigeria
* A for-profit business from any sector
* Educated with minimum qualification of Ordinary National Diploma (OND)
* Able to carry out the application process online
* Committed to the training schedule, physically and virtually, once accepted
Registration
Step 1
To register for Providus Bank’s 2020 SME program, you have to click on the start application HERE (insert the link as backlink on the HERE) on the registration page on the website.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email with all the details you will need to log in.
Step 2 – Complete Application
Once you have successfully registered, log in and start the application. To return to your application, click the “Save And Continue” button (at the bottom of any stage) and come back to it at any time. Once you are done with your application, click on the “Submit” button at the end of the form to send it to us.
You can submit only ONE application.
Step 3 – Keep Informed
Constantly check the PROVIDUSBANK SME CHALLENGE ‘News and Update’ tab for regular updates.
Applications close on September 21,2020.
Visit https://reg.smetoolkit.ng/EDC/program/providus-bank-smetoolkit-challenge for more information.