The Presidents/CEOs
All Banks.

Dear Sir/Madam,

Challenge Fund for SMEs

State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has been taking various measures to facilitate banks in improving access to finance for SME sector. In this regard, SBP is launching a Challenge Fund for SMEs (CFS) to support innovative solutions for SME banking in the country. This fund in form of grant will facilitate banks in developing innovative technological solutions to cater the banking needs of SME sector. This will also enable to increase the access and usage of digital financial services by SME sector.

2. Following are the key features of CFS:
   
   a) Scope of CFS:

   The scope of CFS will focus, however, it will not be limited to the following areas:

   i. Developing SME banking solutions
   ii. Developing digital payment solutions for SMEs
   iii. Developing E-Commerce / market place
   iv. Digitizing loans application and credit management
   
   b) Eligibility:

   Commercial Banks (conventional & Islamic) are eligible to apply for grant under CFS. Banks can also apply in partnership with Non-banking financial Institutions (NBFIs), Fintechs, Electronic Money Institutions (EMI) and software houses. However, lead responsibility will rest with the applicant bank.

   
   c) Grant Size

   Grant size will be determined according to the financing requirements of the proposal under consideration. However, each grantee will contribute 15% of the total cost. Depending upon the quality & innovations of proposal, the grant size can vary, however one bank will get only one grant. The duration of the projects to be implemented through CFS grant should not exceed 8 months.

3. SBP invites interest of banks through Expression of interest (EOI) placed at Annexure A for availing grant under CFS to improve their SME financing portfolio. Banks proposals will be evaluated as per technical criteria developed by SBP.

4. Banks are encouraged to apply as per EOI on prescribed format placed at Annexure-B to SBP latest by April 18, 2022.

Encl:
Annexure A: Expression of Interest (EOI)
Annexure B: Grant Application Form