Frequently Asked Questions

It is a specialized platform designed to help Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan discover, compare, and apply for various banking products and government-backed schemes.

No, SMEDA acts as a facilitator. The loans and financial products are provided by partner commercial and specialized banks, often backed by SBP or Government initiatives.

Markup rates vary depending on the specific scheme. Government-backed schemes like PMYB&ALS can have rates as low as 0% for certain tiers, while commercial rates are usually linked to KIBOR.

The timeline depends on the bank and the specific product. Typically, it can take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks after submission of all required documents.

No, the SMEDA Financial Services Portal is completely free for all SMEs and entrepreneurs.

Yes, many schemes, including the Prime Minister's Youth Business & Agriculture Loan Scheme (PMYB&ALS), specifically target start-ups and new entrepreneurs. However, some commercial bank products may require 1-3 years of business track record.

Typically, you will need business registration proof, CNIC of the owner, NTN certificate, 6-12 months bank statements, utility bills of the business location, and a basic business feasibility plan.

e-CIB is the Electronic Credit Information Bureau database maintained by the State Bank of Pakistan. Yes, a clean credit history with no defaults on previous loans or credit cards is critical for approval.

Subsidized loans (like SBP refinance schemes or PMYB&ALS) have markup rates capped by the government/central bank (often as low as 0% to 5%), with the government paying the difference to the bank. Commercial loans are set by the banks based on market rates (KIBOR + spread) and are usually higher.

You can use the portal to compare different products and find designated contact persons for each bank. You can then reach out to multiple banks to see which offers the best terms for your requirements.