Tertiary Institutions Entrepreneurship Scheme (TIES)

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• How can I apply for TIES?

Apply through https://cbnties.com.ng

• How many components does the TIES have?

The Scheme shall be implemented through three (3) components:

1. Term Loan Component;
2. Equity Investment Component;
3. Developmental Component

• Is TIES a grant?

1. The Term Loan Component is NOT a grant but a loan repayable over an agreed tenor for a specific purpose with clear terms and conditions.
2. The Equity Investment Component shall be in the form of injection of fresh capital for start-ups, expansion of established businesses or reviving of ailing entrepreneurial businesses. The Component shall be implemented under the AGSMEIS Equity window.
3. The Development Component of TIES is in form of grants to Nigerian Polytechnics and Universities after participating and coming top in a National biennial (ie. once in 2 years) entrepreneurship competition. The competition is aimed at raising awareness and visibility of high-impact entrepreneurial/technological ideas among undergraduates, promote entrepreneurial talent hunts in Nigerian polytechnics and universities, as well as encourage innovations that are commercially viable and with transformational impact.

• Can I apply as an undergraduate?

No, the Scheme is for graduates of Nigerian Universities and Polytechnics that have successfully completed their NYSC and have collected their Discharge or Exemption Certificate.

• Who is eligible to apply for TIES?

Graduates of Nigerian Polytechnics and Universities shall be eligible to participate under the Term Loan Component.

• What businesses are eligible to apply for TIES?

Activities to be covered under the Scheme shall include innovative start-ups and existing businesses owned by graduates of Nigerian polytechnics and universities in the following areas:

1. Agribusiness – production, processing, storage and logistics;
2. Information technology – application/software development, business process outsourcing, robotics, data management;
3. Creative industry – entertainment, artwork, publishing, culinary/event management, fashion, photography, beauty/cosmetics;
4. Science and technology – medical innovation, robotics, ticketing systems, traffic systems, renewable energy, waste management;
5. Any other activity as may be determined by the CBN from time to time.

• What are the Eligibility Criteria for Participation for the Term Loan Component under TIES?

1. Applicants under the Scheme shall be graduates of Nigerian Polytechnics and Universities:
2. First degree certificate (BSc/HND/ or its equivalent);
3. National Youth Service Certificate (NYSC) discharge or exemption certificate;
4. Certificate of Participation issued by Polytechnics and Universities evidencing entrepreneurship training; and
5. Not more than 7 years post-NYSC.

• How much should I pay for the online application?

No payment is required for submission and processing of TIES loan application or any other CBN intervention.

• Are there agents that can help applicants to apply for the loan?

      No, CBN does not have any agent for its interventions including TIES. Applicants are to personally submit their loan application via the approved online portal url: https://cbnties.com.ng

• What type of Collateral can I use to apply for TIES?

The collateral acceptable under TIES are:

1. The applicant’s first-degree certificate
2. NYSC discharge or exemption certificate
3. Duly signed Global Standing Instruction (GIS) by the applicant
4. Third party guarantee from senior civil or public servant, clergy of repute, lawyer, accountant, banker, medical doctor, etc.

*1-3 will be registered on the National Collateral Registry (NCR)
*1-4 shall be uploaded in the TIES portal
*All assets financed under the scheme will also be registered on the NCR

• If BSc/HND Degree and NYSC Certificates are accepted as collateral, does that mean I am to submit the hard copies of my original certificates and to whom?

1. No, hardcopies of the original certificates are to be scanned and uploaded in the TIES portal.
2. The Bank of Industry (BOI) is the Participating Financial Institution responsible for processing and disbursement of the loan for the pilot phase of the Scheme.

• Can I use a Certificate gotten from a private Entrepreneurship Development Institution (EDI)?

No, you can only apply with Entrepreneurship Certificate issued by a University or Polytechnic entrepreneurship/ skill acquisition centre.

• Can I use the Certificate from an EDI to apply for TIES?

No, Certificate of Participation should be issued by Polytechnics and Universities evidencing entrepreneurship training.

• What is the maximum amount I can access under the TIES?

1. Tier 1 – Individual projects: Loan limit of 5Million for a tenor of 5 years
2. Tier 2 – Partnership / Company projects (with maximum 5 individual partners) : Loan limit of N25 million for a tenor of 5 years

• What is the interest rate for TIES?

5% per annum (shall be 9% effective from March 1, 2022 or as may be prescribed by the CBN).

• How long is the moratorium on TIES?

There is a maximum of 12 months moratorium on principal and interest.

• What are the documents needed to apply for TIES?

1. First degree certificate (BSc/HND/or its equivalent);
2. National Youth Service Certificate (NYSC) discharge or exemption certificate;
3. Certificate of Participation issued by polytechnics and universities evidencing entrepreneurship training;
4. Projected Statement of Income, Statement of Affairs, and cash flow projections for start-ups and businesses with less than 3 years of operations;
5. Business plan outlining details, financials and economic benefits of the projects.

• Can I apply for TIES even after accessing Agri-Business Small and Medium Enterprise Investment Scheme (AGSMEIS) or any other CBN intervention?

Beneficiaries of other CBN’s interventions shall be eligible to participate under the Scheme upon full repayment of amount outstanding under the other intervention facility earlier accessed.

• How will the loan repayment be scheduled?

Interest payment and principal repayment shall be made on monthly or quarterly basis by the obligor depending on the established cash flow cycle and in line with the approved repayment schedule.

• As a trader, can I apply for TIES?

Trading activities shall not be eligible for financing under the Scheme. Priority will be given to innovative entrepreneurial activities with high potentials for export, job creation and transformational impact.

• What is the maximum loan tenor for TIES?

5 years

• What is the duration for TIES?

The Scheme shall be operated for a period of 10 years (not exceeding 31st December 2031) depending on the complexity of the project.