Heritage Bank Nigeria Business Loans and Financing Options

Burundian franc and US dollar exchange transaction at bank counter.
Credit: pexels.com, Burundian franc and US dollar exchange transaction at bank counter.

Heritage Bank Nigeria offers a range of business loans and financing options to support entrepreneurs and small business owners.

The bank's business loans cater to various needs, including working capital, expansion, and asset acquisition. Heritage Bank provides financing options for both short-term and long-term business needs.

The bank's loan products are designed to be flexible and tailored to the specific needs of each business. Heritage Bank also offers a range of collateral options to accommodate different business requirements.

Business owners can apply for loans online or in-person at one of Heritage Bank's many locations.

History of Heritage Bank Nigeria

The history of Heritage Bank Nigeria is a fascinating one. The bank was founded as Societe Generale Bank (Nigeria) in the late 1970s by the late Dr. Olusola Saraki.

The bank's early years were marked by a significant setback in 2006 when the Central Bank closed it down due to failure to meet new minimum capital requirements.

Credit: youtube.com, Why Heritage Bank's banking licence got revoked

However, the bank successfully challenged the closure in court and was re-issued a banking license in December 2012.

This time, the license was granted as a regional bank, and the bank re-branded itself as Heritage Banking Company Limited.

The bank opened for business under its new name on 4 March 2013, marking a new chapter in its history.

In October 2014, Heritage Bank Company Ltd met the requirements of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) and the Central Bank of Nigeria.

As a result, AMCON officially transferred ownership of Enterprise Bank Ltd to Heritage Bank Plc on 27 January 2015.

Business Finance Products

Heritage Bank offers a variety of digital, retail, commercial, corporate, and investment banking services. This makes it a one-stop-shop for all your financial needs.

Heritage Bank's business loan products can be tailored to suit your business needs, with options for secured and unsecured loans. To qualify for an unsecured loan, your business must have a good credit history and be profitable.

Credit: youtube.com, NDIC gives update on Heritage bank depositors payment at retreat

Heritage Bank's business loan products include:

  • Secured loans: require collateral and are suitable for businesses that need to borrow larger sums of money.
  • Unsecured loans: do not require collateral and are suitable for businesses with a good credit history.

Business loan products can only be made available to registered companies, so it's essential to register your business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) before applying.

Has Various Business Finance Products

Heritage Bank has a wide range of business finance products to suit different business needs. You can borrow money for various business purposes, including working capital, expansion, or equipment purchase.

Heritage Bank offers digital, retail, commercial, corporate, and investment banking services. This means you can access a variety of finance options, including loans, overdrafts, and other credit facilities.

To qualify for a business loan with Heritage Bank, your business must have a good credit history. You should also have a profitable business with a consistent monthly income, which will enable you to repay the loan.

Heritage Bank requires businesses to be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to qualify for business financing. This ensures that the business is legitimate and meets certain standards.

From below classic styled historic building of United States National Bank with wooden doors and vintage lanterns located in Portland
Credit: pexels.com, From below classic styled historic building of United States National Bank with wooden doors and vintage lanterns located in Portland

If your business has a good credit history, you may be eligible for an unsecured business loan. However, if you need to borrow a larger amount, you may need to provide collateral.

Businesses with little to no trading history may find it difficult to get business financing, especially on an unsecured basis. In such cases, you may need to consider alternative options, such as personal loans or salary advances.

To apply for a Heritage Bank business loan, you can visit a bank branch, call their 24/7 contact center, or send them an email. You'll need to provide various documents, including a completed application form, company profile, business plan, and bank statements.

Here's a checklist of common documents required for a Heritage Bank business loan:

  • Completed application form
  • Company profile
  • Business plan
  • Cash flow budget
  • Bank statements (12 months)
  • Audited financial accounts
  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Valid means of identification (driving license, passport, voters card)
  • Proof of address
  • Details of collateral offered (if any)

Core Funding Options

Business finance products often rely on core funding options to get off the ground. A line of credit can provide access to a pool of funds, allowing businesses to draw on as needed.

Credit: youtube.com, 🍽️ 3.2 Types of Financing Products | A Menu of Funding Options for Businesses 💼

A typical line of credit can be secured with assets such as equipment, inventory, or property, and may come with a variable interest rate. The maximum amount borrowed and interest rate will vary depending on the lender and business creditworthiness.

A cash flow loan provides a lump sum upfront, which can be used to cover expenses or invest in the business. These loans often have a fixed interest rate and repayment term.

Businesses with a history of stable cash flow may be eligible for invoice financing, where a lender advances a percentage of outstanding invoices. This can help bridge the gap between invoicing and payment.

Trade Services

Heritage Bank Nigeria offers a range of trade financing solutions through its international services department.

Businesses can access these solutions for both import and export finance, making it easier to manage their global transactions.

Letters of credit are one of the specific products offered, allowing businesses to secure payments for goods or services.

Bills for collection are another service provided, enabling businesses to receive payments from customers in other countries.

Bank guarantees are also available, providing a secure way for businesses to fulfill their obligations to suppliers or customers.

Business Loans

Credit: youtube.com, How to Find Business Loan Solutions from Heritage Bank & Trust's Website

Applying for a business loan at Heritage Bank is a relatively straightforward process. You can visit a bank branch, call their 24/7 contact center, or send them an email to get started.

To apply, you'll need to provide a completed application form, along with some essential documentation such as a company profile, business plan, and cash flow budget. You'll also need to provide bank statements for the past 12 months, audited financial accounts, and a certificate of incorporation.

Heritage Bank's customer service staff can help guide you through the process, especially if you're unsure about which finance product to apply for. They'll evaluate your application against their lending guidelines, considering your business's trading history, financial standing, and the purpose of the loan.

Here are some key documents you'll need to provide:

  • Completed application form
  • Company profile
  • Business plan
  • Cash flow budget
  • Bank statements (12 months)
  • Audited financial accounts
  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Valid means of identification (driving license, passport, voters card)
  • Proof of address
  • Details of collateral offered (if any)

Keep in mind that each finance product may have its own specific requirements, so it's essential to check with Heritage Bank directly for more information.

Qualify for a Business Loan

Credit: youtube.com, How To Get Approved For A Business Loan

To qualify for a business loan with Heritage Bank, you'll need to have a profitable business. This means your business should be generating enough income to justify the loan amount sought.

Having a good credit history is also essential. If you've been able to meet debt obligations in the past, you'll likely be able to meet any future obligations.

A registered business or company with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is also necessary. This is a must-have for business loan products or business financing.

You'll also need to have a business or corporate bank account, and have been trading for some time (at least 1-3 years). A good Credit Bureau Report with no unpaid obligations or bad debt is also required.

Being an active customer of the bank can also help your chances of getting approved. However, if your business has not been registered with the CAC, Heritage Bank will not be able to provide it with funding.

Recommended read: Key Bank Rating

Credit: youtube.com, How To Qualify For A Business Loan | Way To Get Business Loan In 2022

Here are the key requirements for qualifying for a business loan with Heritage Bank:

  • Profitable business
  • Good credit history
  • Registered business or company with the CAC
  • Business or corporate bank account
  • Trading history of at least 1-3 years
  • Good Credit Bureau Report
  • Active customer of the bank

If your business doesn't meet these requirements, you may want to consider alternative options, such as applying for a personal loan product or salary advance.

How to Apply for a Business Loan

To apply for a business loan, you can visit a bank branch, call their 24/7 contact center, or send them an email.

Heritage Bank has a customer service staff that can advise you on the exact credit facility you need, if you're unsure.

All applications will be evaluated against Heritage Bank's lending guidelines, taking into account your business's trading history, financial standing, and the purpose of the loan.

You'll need to provide a checklist of important documentation, which includes a completed application form, company profile, business plan, and cash flow budget, among others.

Here's a list of some of the common documents required:

  • Completed application form
  • Company profile
  • Business plan
  • Cash flow budget
  • Bank statements (12 months)
  • Audited financial accounts
  • Certificate of Incorporation
  • Valid means of identification (driving license, passport, voters card)
  • Proof of address
  • Details of collateral offered (if any)

Each finance product will have its own set of criteria, so Heritage Bank may ask for more or less than the above documents.

Loan Repayment Period

Facade of a Modern Bank Building in City at Sunset
Credit: pexels.com, Facade of a Modern Bank Building in City at Sunset

Heritage Bank loan repayment periods differ.

Both short and long-term funding can be provided. This flexibility allows businesses to choose a repayment period that suits their cash flow and financial goals.

Loan Amount

When considering a loan, it's essential to know how much you can borrow.

Heritage Bank can meet the funding requirements of both big and large companies. The amount that you can borrow is mostly limited by the size of your business.

Does Require Collateral?

Does Heritage Bank require collateral? Yes, they do require some form of collateral for most of their loan products.

Heritage Bank allows various forms of collateral, including obligations of the Federal Government of Nigeria, such as FGN Bonds, FGN Eurobonds, and FGN Treasury Bills.

Alternatively, state government or agency obligations, other non-government debt instruments, and physical assets like real property can also be used as collateral.

In some cases, a personal guarantor may be required instead of collateral.

Here are some examples of acceptable collateral forms:

  • Obligations of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN Bonds, FGN Eurobonds, FGN Treasury Bills etc.)
  • Obligations of state governments or agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria
  • Other non-government debt instruments
  • Physical assets e.g. real property
  • Third party guarantors (or collateral)

Inweta Ulọ Akụ Enterprise

Credit: youtube.com, Heritage bank's acquisition of Enterprise bank

In 2014, Heritage Bank acquired a 100% stake in Enterprise Bank Limited, a Nigerian commercial bank with over 100 branches and $1.6 billion in assets. This significant move marked a major milestone in Heritage Bank's expansion.

Heritage Bank paid $340 million (approximately N56.1 billion) to AMCON for the acquisition. This substantial investment was a strategic move to strengthen Heritage Bank's position in the Nigerian banking industry.

The acquisition of Enterprise Bank Limited made Heritage Investment Services Limited, the investment arm of Heritage Banking Company Limited, one of the top 24 Nigerian and global banks competing for the Enterprise Bank takeover.

For another approach, see: Commercial Banks vs Investment Banks

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Heritage Bank in Nigeria?

Heritage Bank's banking license was revoked by the Nigerian Central Bank in June 2024, with the National Deposit Insurance Corporation appointed as the bank's liquidator. This move effectively shut down Heritage Bank's operations in Nigeria.

Is Heritage Bank close down?

Heritage Bank has been closed down by the NDIC, but don't worry, depositors will receive immediate verification and payment of insured deposits.

Timothy Gutkowski-Stoltenberg

Senior Writer

Timothy Gutkowski-Stoltenberg is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he has established himself as a versatile and reliable voice in the industry. His writing portfolio showcases a breadth of expertise, with a particular focus on the freight market trends.

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