The Ogun State Government has commenced the second phase of the disbursement of the N1 billion grant to micro and small enterprises.

The initiative aims to alleviate poverty and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on businesses in the state.

The Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment and a member of the Ogun State COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus Steering Committee, Mr. Adebola Sofela, in a statement on Monday, announced that Governor Dapo Abiodun has directed the immediate commencement of the disbursement process for the second phase of the grants.

According to the statement, in the first batch, over N120 million was disbursed by the state government to more than 1,000 micro and small entrepreneurs across the 20 local government areas of the state.

Who can apply?

Micro & Small Enterprises in any of the following:

Retail

Fashion

Hair & Beauty

Light Manufacturing

Hospitality

What the grant is for?

Payment of Utilities such as: Water, Electricity, Internet Service Subscription and so on

Payment of Rent for Office, Shop, and Cold Room Rent

Payment of Salaries (Evidence must be provided)

Eligible Enterprises must:

Be located inOgun State

Have a minimum of three employees

Have been in operation for at least 2 years

Profitability of business must have been reduced as a result of COVID -19 Pandemic.

How to apply:

Firstly, log on tohttps://www.ngcaresbusiness.org/

1. Click on Select State and choose Ogun State. Then click on Go to Portal

2. Then click on Apply.

3. You will be asked to fill in the following details:

Business name

What kind of business? (General services/Artisans, Specialised Services, Agriculture (Crop and Livestock),

Transportation/Logistics, Trading and Manufacturing)

What kind of “? (Here, you will be able to select your specific business type)

How much sales (in naira) do you currently make monthly?

What date/year did you open your business?

Phone number of head of business

Number of employees

First name of head of business

Last name of head of business

Email of head of business

Email

Date of birth of head of business

Gender of head of business

State of business

LGA of business

Lastly, Click on Submit.

NB: Businesses who apply in multiple states or states wherein they do not operate will be disqualified.(The PUNCH)