Everything you need to know about the SBO application process — from getting started to submitting your documents.
General
The SBO Application Process is designed to assess your business, its growth potential, operational readiness, financial standing, and investment preparedness. The process consists of two forms that must be completed in sequence.
Yes. Form 1 must be completed and submitted before you can proceed to Form 2.
The time required depends on how prepared you are. Applicants who have all required information and documents ready can complete the process much faster.
Incomplete applications may delay the review process or may not be considered for further assessment.
Form 1
Form 1 requires the following information:
Personal Information
Business Information
Business Ownership Details
Business Sector Information
Business Overview
Your Business Overview should explain:
What your business does
Products or services offered
Target customers
Problem being solved
Revenue model
Achievements
Future growth plans
You may leave those fields blank if they are not applicable to your business.
This refers to the ownership percentages held by each business owner or shareholder.
Form 2
Form 2 helps assess your business readiness, financial capacity, governance structure, market position, and investment potential.
You should have ready:
CAC Registration Documents
CAC Status Report
TIN Certificate
Tax Clearance Certificate
Audited Financial Statements
Bank Statements
Organizational Structure Documents
Pitch Deck
Business Introduction Video
Other supporting documents requested in the form
Some uploads are mandatory, while others are optional or only required if applicable to your business.
The maximum upload size is 25MB per document, except where a different limit is specifically stated.
A customer testimonial may include:
Written feedback
Recommendation letters
Reference letters
Customer reviews
Where possible, include customer contact information for verification purposes.
You should clearly state:
The amount required
The intended use of funds
Expected outcomes
Return on investment projections where applicable
A Pitch Deck is a presentation that provides an overview of your business, including:
Problem & Solution
Market Opportunity
Business Model
Traction
Team
Financials
Funding Needs
Your video should briefly explain:
Your business and the problem you solve
Your products or services
Your target market
Key achievements
Future plans
Eligibility & Documents
Yes. Businesses that have not received grants are still eligible to apply.
Yes. Prior participation in an incubation or accelerator program is not mandatory.
Simply indicate that you do not currently have any registered intellectual property.
You may provide details of your existing management structure or leadership team.
Yes. Applicants are expected to provide business bank statements covering the last 6–12 months.
Yes. Applicants should provide audited financial statements where available, including annual audited accounts for the requested years.
Please contact the SBO support team if you need to make corrections after submission.
Still have questions?
Our support team is ready to help you through the application process.
Here are Frequently Asked Questions you might have
1. What is the SBO Application Process?
The SBO Application Process is designed to assess your business, its growth potential, operational readiness, financial standing, and investment preparedness. The process consists of two forms that must be completed in sequence.
2. Do I have to complete Form 1 before accessing Form 2?
Yes. Form 1 must be completed and submitted before you can proceed to Form 2.
3. How long does it take to complete the application?
The time required depends on how prepared you are. Applicants who have all required information and documents ready can complete the process much faster.
4. What happens if I submit incomplete information?
Incomplete applications may delay the review process or may not be considered for further assessment.
5. What information is required in Form 1?
Form 1 requires:
Personal Information
Business Information
Business Ownership Details
Business Sector Information
Business Overview
6. What should I include in the Business Overview section?
Your Business Overview should explain:
What your business does
Products or services offered
Target customers
Problem being solved
Revenue model
Achievements
Future growth plans