CBN TIES Loan Application Link: Get ₦5M to ₦25M CBN TIES Loan

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) runs the Tertiary Institutions Entrepreneurship Scheme (TIES) to help graduates of Nigerian polytechnics and universities start or grow their business and become self-reliant. If you graduated recently and are looking for financing options with favourable terms, then the CBN TIES loan is one scheme you should know about in 2025.

This article covers everything you need: what TIES is, eligibility criteria, what you need to apply, official application link, benefits, and handy tips to increase approval chances.

What is CBN TIES?

• TIES means Tertiary Institutions Entrepreneurship Scheme. It is a program under the CBN’s Development Finance Department that supports graduates with entrepreneurial ideas.

• The scheme is structured in three components:

  1. Term Loan Component — a repayable loan for individual or partnership ventures.

  2. Equity Investment Component — capital injection to support start-ups, expansion, or reviving businesses under the AGSMEIS equity window.

  3. Development/Grant Component — grants awarded to Nigerian universities and polytechnics through biennial entrepreneurship competitions for innovative or technological ideas.

Eligibility Criteria for CBN TIES Loan

To be eligible for TIES (especially under the Term Loan and Equity components), you generally must meet:

• Graduate Status: Must have a first degree (BSc, HND or equivalent) from a Nigerian university or polytechnic.
• NYSC Certificate: Must have your NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.
• Entrepreneurship Training Certificate: Participation in entrepreneurship training from your institution.
• Not More Than 7 Years Post-NYSC: Most recent graduates within 7 years of NYSC completion are preferred for term loan.
• Innovative Business: Business idea must be in eligible sectors (agribusiness, technology, creative industry, science & technology, etc.). Trading alone (just buying and selling) is generally excluded.

Loan Features & Limits

Here are the key details of what the loan offers and its terms:

How to Apply for CBN TIES: Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s how you can apply:

1. Visit the official application portal: cbnties.com.ng.
2. Register (create an account) using valid email, phone number, and other basic info.
3. Fill in the application form, selecting which component you are applying for (Term Loan, Equity Investment, or Development Grant).
4. Upload all required documents: degree certificate, NYSC discharge/exemption, entrepreneurship certificate, business plan, CAC documents (if applicable), bank details, etc.
5. Submit the form and await verification. The system may verify your documents, bank account, and other credentials.
6. If approved, disbursement is via a Participating Financial Institution (PFI).

Benefits of CBN TIES

• Access to credit for graduates with good business ideas.
• Longer repayment period with moratorium to help stabilize business early.
• Encourages innovative, technological, and agro-allied businesses.
• Helps reduce youth unemployment by supporting entrepreneurship.
• Equity component allows for investment rather than just borrowing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some FAQs you and others often ask:

Q: Can undergraduates apply?
A: No. The Term Loan component is for graduates only. Undergraduates may participate only in the Development Grant / entrepreneurship competition component.

Q: Is the application fee required?
A: No. Registration and processing of TIES loan application are free. CBN has stated there is no charge for the application process.

Q: What sectors are eligible?
A: Eligible sectors include agribusiness, IT, creative industries, science & technology, and other high-impact, innovation-driven sectors. Trading only projects may not qualify.

Q: What happens if I graduated more than 7 years ago?
A: Such applicants may not qualify for the Term Loan component. Prioritize applying if you are within that 7-year post-NYSC window.

Q: What is required for collateral?
A: Acceptable collateral items include scanned degree certificate, NYSC certificate, third-party guarantee, Global Standing Instruction (GIS), etc. These are uploaded during application.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

• Missing or invalid documents. Always scan clear copies.
• Using wrong or unofficial application links. Stick with cbnties.com.ng.
• Applying too late after deadlines or not completing verification requirements.
• Trying to apply for a sector not supported by the scheme.
• Paying third parties or agents claiming special access — CBN has warned that there are no agents for TIES.

Key Deadlines & Updates

• The scheme is planned to run until 31 December 2031, for its full implementation period.
• Changes in interest rate (from 5% to 9%) took effect from March 1, 2022.
• Always check the portal for the current application window announcements.

Final Thoughts

The CBN TIES Loan provides a strong opportunity for Nigerian graduates to build sustainable businesses. If you have an innovative idea, meet the eligibility, and can prepare proper documents, it is one of the better intervention schemes right now.

Use the official link (https://cbnties.com.ng), ensure your documentation is valid, apply early, and keep up with announcements on CBN’s website or trusted news outlets.