All posts by : EnuguSME

Creation Energy, winner of the first edition of the series, being presented with their prize by Obi Kama, commissioner for Science & Tech (far left) and Arinze Chilo-Offiah, special adviser, SME Development & Investment Promotion/ head, Enugu SME Centre, at the finals of the challenge in Enugu recently.

The Enugu SME Center has successfully concluded the first edition of its Hackathon Series, a quarterly series in partnership with the private sector to bring the ideas of the teeming youth of Enugu State to the limelight.

The first series of the initiative, which started with online registration on July 7, 2020, with focus on project themes around agriculture, education, healthcare, small business tools and other use cases & services, brought together over 300 teams, which was screened down to 25 considered disruptive and later to Top 10 marked marketable.

However, at the final stage of the challenge, which held at Hotel Sunshine, Enugu on September 11, 2020, the top 10 projects were further pruned to top 3 by the judges, which included members from public and senior private sector executives from School of Enterprise Development, Lagos Business School, and Geneysis Tech Hub.

The top three projects include; Creation Energy, a project that converts cassava waste to electricity; Teen Coding Hub, which teaches kids and teens how to code and Green Axis/Cosmos Automation, which recycles waste into raw materials for manufacturing firms/ an automated irrigation system.

At the end of the day, Creation Energy emerged the overall winner, while Teen Coding Hub and Green Axis/Cosmos Automation emerged first and second runners up respectively.

Explaining the criteria for choosing the top three projects and the overall winner, the judges noted that the three first-class ideas, which have proven marketable and implementable concepts with investment potential were selected after the extensive pitching and judging process by the finalist and the judges respectfully.

READ ALSO: Winners in Lagos smart meter hackathon receive N10m

According to the judges, the top three ideas were all winners because of the potential of their projects, especially at offering solutions to problems.

The Top 3 would receive cash prizes, with the winner getting a US$3,500Business Support Grant from the Enugu SME Center and its private sector partners that would include (but not limited) to mentorship, business advisory, product development, technical support, media publicity, digital marketing support, financial advisory services.

Moreover, all the Top-10 finalists would be enlisted in the Tekedia Mini-MBA Program.

Riding on the success of the first edition, the Enugu SME Center is planning the 2ndedition of the series by December 2020 with a focus on financial services innovation.

The Enugu SME Hackathon Series is organised by the Enugu SME Center with focus on finding solutions to addressing the changes to the ways of life and business as a result of Covid-19 and the institutional change it has created in the global ecosystem.

Most importantly, the series is in line with the developmental and youth empowerment vision of Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, governor of Enugu State, who birthed a vision of the state becoming the economic epicentre of South-Eastern Nigeria.

Meanwhile, His Excellency, Rt. HON. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (GburuGburu) further stated that the economic epicentre vision of his administration is further boosted by the state’s enviable ranking as 2nd State in Ease of Starting Business and 3rd State in Ease of Doing Business in Nigeria in the 2018 World Bank Ease of Doing Business sub-national ranking, which has made corporates and businesses flocking the state to establish their presence.

His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi is desirous of lifting families from poverty by creating many employment opportunities, is committed to supporting the Hackathon Series because of its avowed ability to harness the untapped potentials of the state’s teeming youth and Enugu people at large.

In furtherance of his commitment to the empowerment of Enugu youths and the people, the governor has relentlessly supported the Enugu SME Center, the organisers of the Hackathon Series.

Speaking on the rationale for the Hackathon Series, Arinze Chilo-Offiah, Special Adviser on SME Development & Investment Promotion/ Head, Enugu SME Center, noted that with the Covid-19 pandemic changing the way people live their lives and how they conduct business, people need solutions to address the changes, hence bringing innovative minds to offer solutions at the Enugu SME Hackathon Series.

Meanwhile, Chilo-Offiah is satisfied with the huge participation and the quality of projects that the innovative minds unveiled in the first edition of the series while hoping for more innovations in the second edition, which comes up this December.

Below are the frequently asked question on the Enugu business support loan (EBSL) powered by Lidya

1. What is the Enugu Business Support Cash Advance (EBSL) powered by Lidya®

The Enugu Business Support Loan (ESBL) powered by Lidya® is an innovative cash advance program that supports existing businesses to quickly raise financing to meet its monthly operational needs. It helps entrepreneurs and business owners to be disciplined in the management of their finances and grow their business properly 

2. What are the loan benefits

• The ESBL Powered by Lidya ® provides you monthly cash advance based on your six (6) months bank account statement;

• Lidya’s loans are without collateral, without guarantors and co-signers. When approved, the loan is disbursed instantly;

• You can apply up to N5,000,000 (Five Million Naira Only)

 3. What is the eligibility criteria

The business must have a minimum monthly turnover of N500,000 (Average of your Total Debit and Total Credit on your Bank Statement) to qualify. Loan repayment terms will be determined by our partners Lidya upon successful assessment

 4. What is the interest rate and duration of the cash advance?

The cash advance has a 3.5% interest rate for 30 days (renewable every 30 days if required). Upon repayment, you can qualify for a longer tenure with Lidya®.

 5. If my company isn’t registered with CAC, can I apply as an individual?

YES!! You can apply as an individual with either you current or savings account. The eligibility of monthly turnover of N500,000 (Five Hundred Thousand Naira Only) as indicated in No. 3 still stands

 6. Can I apply with a microfinance bank account?

   NO

7. Must I be resident in Enugu State?

You can apply from anywhere in the country as an Ndi-Enugu/Resident

8.  What is the application process?

1. Fill in your details if you financially qualify and can meet the requirements
2. Await call from our partners Lidya® for an on the phone assessment
3. Meet all requirements of Lidya® and submit documentation as agreed by our partners, Lidya®
4. Receive Funds

9. What are the requirements for applying

1. Your Full name, Address [Business & Residential], BVN
2. Your CAC Certificate (For Businesses. If you are applying as an individual, you don’t need CAC Documents)
3. Last Six (6) months Bank Statement (PDF Copy Strictly)- If applying as an Individual, it’s your six (6) current or savings bank account statement
4. TIN(If available)
5. Copy of a utility bill
6. Copy of a government-issued photo identification document
7. Next of Kin Details (Name, Address, Phone Number and Relationship).

10. If I am a startup, should I apply?

YES, if you meet the eligibility criteria. You can also apply as an individual (with your current and savings account)

11. If I have an ongoing business doing well but I don’t have my CAC documents, can I apply?

YES. You can apply as an individual with your current or savings account, provided you meet the eligibility criteria.

12. If I don’t want to give my BVN, can I apply?

      NO. It is important to provide security for the lender.

If you don’t have access to internet or you’re not internet savvy, you can come to the Enugu SME Center and apply for free.

Address

No. 2, Market Garden by SME Roundabout

Opposite, Ebeano Tunnel

GRA, Enugu

Phone Numbers: +2348089344768; +2348084998224; +2349042439495

Email: info@enugusme.ng

Website: www.enugusme.en.gov.ng

Below are frequently asked questions (faqs) under the
Enugu tech® program

1. What is the Enugu Tech Skill Program About?

Enugu Tech Skill is a public-private partnership project developed and designed to train and provide a path to new jobs to about 50,000 young people in Enugu state. Successful beneficiaries will have the opportunity to learn either Product Design or Programming (UI/UX) with respect to your application and choice of program, the program will help you transition to new job roles and/or upscale in your already job role.

2. How is the Enugu Tech Skill Program Structured?

The Program is structured under the Human Capital Development Loan (HCDL) Scheme which is an innovative loan program that is intended SOLELY to provide training to individuals who are resident in Enugu State on technical and non-technical capacities in partnership with private sector firm called “Utiva” (www.utiva.io). The SME Agency in partnership with the Utiva will then provide access to jobs (full time, part-time, contract, gig-economy jobs and entrepreneurial support). The funds are then repaid within 4 months.

3. What is the interest rate of this Loan for the Enugu Tech Skill Training Program?

The Loan for the Training Program is INTEREST FREE/ ZERO INTEREST

 4. What is the duration for the Enugu Tech Skill Training Program?

The Programming (Web and App Development) Training Program and the Product Design & Animation Program is for three (3) months or ninety (90) Days.

 5. What is the cost of the Training?

The cost of the training program has been highly subsidized to N20,000.00 (Twenty Thousand Naira Only). Hence, Enugu SME Center would be providing a Human Capital Development Loan of N20,000 (Twenty Thousand Naira Only) to the successful participants under the Enugu Tech Program to be repaid in 4 months (No Interest Added).

 6. In how many months would the Loan for the Training Program be repaid?

The repayment of the loan will be made between 4 months

7. Must I be resident in Enugu State?

Yes, for the effectiveness of the Program, it is required that all Participants must be resident in Enugu State.

8.  Do I get paid during the period of training?

No

9. Would I be required to attend all training sessions?

Yes. Failure to this would lead to you defaulting on the loan and the Agency calling on the collateral (cheque)

10. Where would the training sessions be held?

The training would be a combination of in-class training and remote training. The In-class training location would be communicated to applicants upon finalization of the documentation process. It would be based on the residence of the successful applicants. The training will be held at a designated location within Enugu State that will be communicated to applicants that complete their documentation process with Enugu SME Center.

11. Can an individual who is currently employed also engage in the Training program?

YES.

12. How will the job placement work?

We will onboard all the learners that successfully completed the learning program on the Utiva job bank. On that platform, you will get the opportunity to meet employers that are hiring for full time roles, part time, freelancers and also companies that are building products. The job platform will give you the opportunity to review employment opportunities and projects requirements and choose which works for you. The more projects you complete successfully, the more opportunities the technology platform routes to you.

13. What are the requirements to get the Enugu Tech Skill Program?

The successful applicants would be mandated to bring the following:

• Nationally Recognized Identification of the Applicant and Three(3) passport photograph
• Guarantor from the following areas:
  • Private Sector Individual– Businessman/Businesswoman, entrepreneur, private sector employee
  • Public Servant (Federal Government MDA, State Government from Executive Assistant-Honorable Commissioner)- retired within two (2) years also acceptable
  • Civil Servant from Level 6-Permanent Secretary- retired within two (2) years also acceptable.
• Requirements of the Guarantor:
  • Nationally Recognized Identification of the Applicant and two(2) passport photographs
  • Undated Cheque from CBN recognized Commercial Bank or Microfinance Bank- Kindly note that the Microfinance Bank’s cheque MUST be able “go for clearing” and payable over the counter of other banks. Kindly note that NOT ALL microfinance bank’s cheque can clear over the counter. If you are going to use a Microfinance Bank kindly inquire if it can “go for clearing”
  • Physical appearance for signing is a MUST. We also understand that they might have busy schedules hence why we would appreciate you contact us 24hrs before you come to ensure everything is seamless
  • Guarantor can be from anywhere in Nigeria (within or outside Enugu) but must make himself/herself available for sighting 

 14. What if I can pay for the Enugu Tech upfront or Guarantee myself?

If this is the case, you can pay upfront. Come to the office to receive the account number to pay into. You can also guarantee yourself and provide the Undated Cheque from a Commercial Bank or Microfinance Bank (remember if you are using a microfinance bank cheque, ensure it can be “cleared over the counter”). You can come with a 3 or 6 months bank account statement.

 15. What if I only have a savings account?

Request to open a current account with your Bank and request for a cheque book (minimum amount of leaves). When coming to the office to complete your documentation, make sure you come with 3-6 months of your savings account statement. You should also notify the Agency that you have requested for a cheque book so your space can be reserved.

 16. What if I decide to not continue the Enugu Tech Skill Program, what will happen?

If you have successfully passed the rigorous selection phase and chosen for the first cohort and you drop out of the program, it would have been determined you have DEFAULTED on the Enugu Tech Skill Training and the default terms would kick in as detailed in the Offer Letter, which would include calling on the collateral (the cheque of the guarantor/or applicant). If you paid for the Enugu Tech Skill Program upfront, it shall not be refunded.

17. Why the need of a cheque as a collateral?

This is the only way for Financial Institutions to legally recover their monies in the event of a default. This must be presented physically and cannot be scanned as it is not valid if scanned.

 18. Why must my guarantor be available for the documentation signing?

The guarantor would be expected to co-sign with the successful Enugu Tech Skill Applicant and is also expected to be physically sighted by the Agency to prevent any case of false claims, forgery of documentation and signature etc.

19. Once we have met all the requirements, where and when should we come to complete our documentation, with our guarantor?

Successful applicants will be onboarding into Whatsapp Platforms from Thursday 27th August 2020- Monday 7^th September 2020. This is to carry everyone along on the program dynamics amongst other things regarding orientation. Documentation signing will commence from Monday 7^th September 2020- Monday, 21^st September 2020

Kindly notify the Enugu SME Center 24-hrs before coming to the Agency (with guarantor if using guarantor) to ensure your documents are prepared ahead of time.

20. Do I need a laptop for this program?

Yes, You do need a laptop to participate in the program as discussed in during the orientation session

21. Can a guarantor with a joint account/check book guarantee someone?

No!!!  It is a personal guarantee not a joint guarantee.

22. Can a guarantor with a corporate account /check book guarantee someone?

No!!!  It is a personal guarantee not a joint guarantee.

23. Why is this not a youth empowerment grant and a zero interest loan

Unfortunately, the Enugu SME Center is the Agency, that amongst other things, provide loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). We have tried to ensure that Human Capital Development Loan Program is a ZERO INTEREST LOAN that would provide skills and access to jobs to our youth. Other MDAs in the state like the Ministry of Human Development and Poverty Alleviate provide grant support to Ndi-Enugu.

If sending your 24hrs notification by email, send to info@enugusme.ng or enugutech@utiva.io. You can call us on +2348089344768; +2348084998224; +2349042439495. Ensure you write your name and “Enugu Tech Applicant” as the subject heading of the email.

Kindly follow us on @enugusmeagency on Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Enugu State SME Agency on Facebook

Below are Frequently asked questions (faqs) under the auto revamp
training program (AITP)

1. What is the Auto Revamp Training Program (AITP) about?
   The Auto Revamp Training is a hands-on intensive program that will cover core skills for Auto
   Refurbishment. The delivery model is structured to build and perfect skill proficiency in the Use
   of Power and Hand Tools, Auto Body Metal Works (Prelim & Advanced), Auto Body Preps, Auto
   Body Painting (Prelim & Advanced), Auto Detailing & Interior Works, Specialized Auto Body
   Detailing.
2. How is the Auto Revamp Training Program Structured?
   The Program is structured under the Human Capital Development Loan (HCDL) Scheme which
   is an innovative loan program that is intended SOLEY to provide training to individuals who are
   resident in Enugu State on technical and non-technical capacities in partnership with private
   sector firms called “anchors”. The SME Agency in partnership with the anchors will then provide
   access to jobs. The funds are then repaid through the wages of these participants over the
   course of 12-15 months during the period of employment.
3. What is the interest rate of this Loan for The Auto Revamp Training Program?
   The Loan for the Training Program is INTEREST FREE/ ZERO INTEREST
4. What is the duration for the Auto Revamp Training Program?
   Eight (8) Months (32 Weeks) for the training.
5. What is the cost of the Training?
   The cost the training program has been highly subsidized to N150,000.00 (One Hundred and Fifty
   Thousand Naira Only). Hence, Enugu SME Center would be providing Human Capital
   Development Loan of N150,000 to the successful participants under the Auto Revamp Training
   Program (AITP) to be repaid in 12-15months (No Interest Added). Remember, the approved loan
   will pay for this Training and the repayment will be through deductions made from your wages
   earned during your employment.
6. In how many months would the Loan for the Training Program be repaid?
   The repayment of the loan will be made between 12-15 months. This will commence at the point
   of employment (which will take effect after the training period).
7. Must I be resident in Enugu State?
   Yes, for the effectiveness of the Program, it is required that all Participants must be resident in
   Enugu State.
8. Do I get paid during the period of training?
   No, only after you have been absorbed in the workforce. However, your employment is subject
   to a successful completion of the training program.
9. Would I be required to attend all training sessions?
   Yes, as this would be one of the criteria to be retained for employment.
10. Where would the training sessions be held?
    The training will hold at a designated location within Enugu State that would be communicated
    to applicants that complete their documentation process with Enugu SME Center
11. Is an undergraduate eligible for the training program?
    No, the training program is very intense and highly engaging, hence school activities will be a
    Conflict of Interest.
    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) UNDER THE AUTO REVAMP
    TRAINING PROGRAM (AITP)
12. Can an individual who is currently employed also engage in the training program?
    No, this will be Conflict of Interest. The training program is intensive and fully engaging, hence it
    will not be feasible to combine both activities.
13. Is there an arrangement for accommodation?
    Considering that the Training Cost is highly subsidized, there will be NO provision for
    accommodation.
14. What are the requirements to get the AITP HCDL
    The successful applicant would be mandated to bring the following:
    ▪ Nationally Recognized Identification of the Applicant and Three(3) passport
    photograph
    ▪ Guarantor from the following areas:
    o Private Sector Individual- Businessman/Businesswoman, entrepreneur, private
    sector employee
    o Public Servant (Federal Government MDA, State Government from Executive
    Assistant-Honorable Commissioner)-retired within two (2) years also acceptable
    o Civil Servant from Level 6-Permanent Secretary- retired within two (2) years also
    acceptable
    ▪ Requirements of the Guarantor:
    o Nationally Recognized Identification of the Applicant and two(2) passport
    photographs
    o Undated Cheque from CBN recognized Commercial Bank or Microfinance
    Bank- Kindly note that the Microfinance Bank’s cheque MUST be able “go
    for clearing” and payable over the counter of other banks. Kindly note that
    NOT ALL microfinance bank’s cheque can clear over the counter. If you are
    going to use a Microfinance Bank kindly inquire if it can “go for clearing”
    o Physical appearance for signing is a MUST. We also understand that they might
    have busy schedules hence why we would appreciate you contact us 24hrs
    before you come to ensure everything is seamless
    o Guarantor can be from anywhere in Nigeria (within or outside Enugu) but must
    make himself/herself available for sighting
15. What if I can pay for the AITP HCDL upfront or Guarantee myself
    If this is the case, you can pay upfront and the AITP would accept payment. Come to the office to
    receive the account number to pay into. You can also guarantee yourself and provide the Undated
    Cheque from a Commercial Bank or Microfinance Bank (remember if you are using a microfinance
    bank cheque, ensure it can be “cleared over the counter”). You can come with a 3 or 6 months bank
    account statement.
16. What if I only have a savings account
    Request to open a current account with your Bank and request for a cheque book (minimum
    amount of leaves). When coming to the office to complete you documentation, make sure you
    come with 3-6 months of your saving account statement. You should also notify the Agency that
    you have requested for a cheque book so your space can be reserved
17. What if I decide to not continue the AITP Program, what will happen
    If you have successfully passed the rigorous selection phase and are chosen for the first cohort and
    you drop out of the program, it would have been determined you have DEFAULTED on the AITP
    HCDL and the default terms would kick in as detailed in the Offer Letter, which would include
    calling on the collateral (the cheque of the guarantor/or applicant). If you paid for the AITP Program
    upfront, it shall not be refunded.
    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS) UNDER THE AUTO REVAMP
    TRAINING PROGRAM (AITP)
18. Why the need of a cheque as a collateral
    This is the only way for Financial Institutions to legally recover their monies in the event of a default.
    This must be presented physically and cannot be scanned as it is not valid If scanned.
19. Why must my guarantor be available for the documentation signing
    The guarantor would be expected to cosign with the successful AITP Applicant and is also expected
    to be physically sighted by the Agency to prevent any case of false claims, forgery of documentation
    and signature etc
20. Once we have met all the requirements, where and when should we come to complete our
    documentation, with our guarantor
    We shall commence documentation signing on Friday, 28th August 2020 till Friday 11th
    September 2020. Kindly notify the Enugu SME Center 24-hrs before coming to the Agency (with
    guarantor if using guarantor) to ensure your documents are prepared ahead of time. Based on this
    we shall communicate the new date for the commencement of the training.
21. Can a guarantor with a joint account/check book guarantee someone?
    No!!! It is a personal guarantee not a joint guarantee.
22. Can a guarantor with a corporate account /check book guarantee someone?
    No!!! It is a personal guarantee not a joint guarantee.
    If sending your 24hrs notification by email, send to info@enugusme.ng. Ensure you write your
    name and “AITP Applicant” as the subject heading of the email.
    Address
    No. 2, Market Garden by SME Roundabout
    Opposite, Ebeano Tunnel
    GRA, Enugu
    Phone Numbers: +2348089344768; +2348084998224; +2349042439495
    Email: info@enugusme.ng
    If sending your 24hrs notification by email, ensure you write your name and “AITP Successful
    Applicant” as the subject heading of the email
    Website: www.enugusme.en.gov.ng