FCMB SheVentures zero interest loan 2026 (₦10 Million at Zero Interest)

Running a business in Nigeria as a woman is not for the faint-hearted. Between high commercial lending rates, inflation pressure, and limited access to affordable credit, many women-owned SMEs are forced to slow down or stall entirely, not because the business idea is bad, but because the capital is not there. First City Monument Bank (FCMB) is directly addressing this problem through the 2026 edition of its SheVentures Zero-Interest Loan Programme, and applications are currently open.

If you own or manage a business in Nigeria and you need working capital to expand, restock, or strengthen your operations without drowning in interest charges, this is an opportunity worth looking into right now.

Program Features

SheVentures is FCMB’s flagship women-in-business initiative, running since 2019 and consistently one of the most practical financing programmes available to female entrepreneurs in Nigeria. The 2026 edition of the zero-interest loan offers eligible women entrepreneurs access to funding ranging from ₦500,000 to ₦10 million, with zero percent interest and no hidden charges. All fees are embedded in a transparent pricing structure, so what you see is exactly what you get.

The programme operates across two funding categories. Under the general category, businesses can access between ₦500,000 and ₦5 million. For sector-specific businesses, the funding range goes from ₦5 million up to ₦10 million. In both cases, the loan amount is capped at up to 50 percent of the applicant’s average monthly turnover.

Repayment is structured over four to six months depending on the category, giving business owners the flexibility to match repayment with their actual cash flow cycles. The four-month option applies to the general category, while sector-specific businesses get a six-month tenor with a one-month moratorium.

Beyond the loan itself, the programme also connects participants to business advisory services, financial inclusion support, and capacity-building opportunities. Women who are not selected for the loan are automatically considered for a place in the SheVentures mentorship programme.

Eligibility Criteria

The SheVentures zero-interest loan is open to women entrepreneurs across Nigeria. To qualify, you need to meet the following conditions:

• Your business must be owned or managed by a woman
• Your business must be registered in Nigeria (CAC registration is expected)
• You must operate in an eligible sector, which includes retail, agriculture, fashion, manufacturing, trade, food processing, and services, among others
• Your business must demonstrate an operational track record and a clear growth plan
• The loan amount you apply for must not exceed 50 percent of your average monthly turnover
• You must be willing to repay within the four or six month window depending on your category

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What You Will Gain

The most immediate benefit is access to capital at zero percent interest, which is a rare offering in Nigeria’s current financial climate where most commercial loans carry double-digit rates. This means your business gets the cash it needs to grow without the repayment burden eating into your margins.

Beyond the cash itself, SheVentures participants gain access to business advisory support and financial inclusion resources that help strengthen the overall structure of the business. FCMB also organises training events and provides discounted entry to industry-specific seminars for female business owners, supporting continuous learning and professional development.

The bank has also built a network of mentors who provide guidance, motivation, and career modelling for women in business. Partnerships with consultants give SheVentures clients access to professional business structuring advice at significantly discounted rates.

For women who are not selected for the loan, being considered for the SheVentures mentorship programme is itself a valuable outcome, providing networking, visibility, and peer support that many entrepreneurs find just as useful as funding.

Deadline and Where to Apply

No fixed public deadline has been announced for the 2026 SheVentures Zero-Interest Loan Programme. However, the programme is open now and given that it typically receives a high volume of applications, early submission is strongly advised.

To apply, visit the official FCMB SheVentures application portal at apply.fcmb.com/women-in-business-zero-interest-loan and complete the application form with accurate business details. You can also visit www.fcmb.com/she-ventures for full programme information before applying.

If you are a Nigerian woman running a business and you have been looking for affordable capital to take things to the next level, SheVentures 2026 is one of the most straightforward financing opportunities available to you right now.

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