By Adedapo Adesanya
As states continue to take steps toward recovery following looting activities that marred the #EndSARS protests, the Kwara State Government over the weekend announced that it has funded up to N500 million for businesses which lost properties and incurred damages.
Business Post reported that Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq made the announcement after visiting the vandalised Kwara Mall in the state over the weekend.
In his words, “We are therefore not going to leave the business owners like that. We are setting up a N500 million fund for those that were affected to access. The application form is live and active on the State Government’s website and can now be filled by interested parties. We are going to get them back as soon as possible.”
How Business Owners can Access the N500 Million Fund
The first step is to click this link to fill in the SME Recovery Fund Grant Application Form on your mobile phone or computer.
Then you will be required to input your full name as well as your email address. Also, enter your 11-digit mobile number. All asterisked (*) sections are compulsory.
The business owner then fills in the registered business name and address of your business. Select local government area where your business is operational and choose ownership status – rent or fully-owned.
The form requires the number of employees for your business, the estimated amount of loss you incurred in Nigerian Naira for stolen goods and furniture/equipment. This is going to be a rough estimate. Input the estimated amount of loss you incurred in Naira for damaged property.
For the sake of evidence, you are to upload a photo and/or video proofs showing damages to your store/shop.
You may choose to enter your Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) registration number as this is not mandatory due to the nature of small and medium scale businesses in the state.
Select the sector your business falls under – Agriculture, Artisan, Health, ICT, Creative, Engineering, Fashion and Beauty, Food and Beverages among others.
Then select whether you have been a beneficiary of the Kwara Social Investment Programme (KWASIP). The initiative was launched by the Kwara State Government to help the aged, the unemployed, petty traders, and unprivileged children.
Then finally, fill in your bank name, account name and number. Click Submit to complete your application.
Modupe Gbadeyanka