Issue a credit circular letter for bank branches against Bangladesh Bank Circular for the Small Enterprise Refinance Scheme for women entrepreneurs

Circular No.: [Circular Number]
Date: [Date]

To: All Branch Managers and Concerned Officers

Subject: Implementation of Bangladesh Bank Small Enterprise Refinance Scheme for Women Entrepreneurs

Dear Sir/Madam,

Bangladesh Bank has introduced the Small Enterprise Refinance Scheme (SERS) to support women entrepreneurs under the CMSME sector. In line with the Bangladesh Bank circular, all branches are instructed to implement this scheme with immediate effect.

Key Features of the Scheme

1. Low Interest Rate

• Loans under this scheme will be provided at a low interest rate as prescribed by Bangladesh Bank.
• Branches must strictly follow the approved rate.

2. Grace Period

• Eligible borrowers will enjoy a grace period before principal repayment begins.
• This allows new businesses time to generate income.

3. Collateral-Free Facility

• Eligible loans will be provided without collateral up to the approved limit.
• No additional security should be requested unless permitted by Head Office.

4. Flexible Repayment

• Loans will have a suitable repayment period with affordable monthly installments.
• Branches should prepare repayment schedules according to the borrower’s cash flow.

5. Simple Documentation

• The application process has been simplified.
• Only the required documents, such as NID, trade license (if applicable), photographs, and a basic business profile, should be collected.

6. Eligible Borrowers

• The scheme is available only to women entrepreneurs operating Cottage, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (CMSMEs).
• The applicant must be the owner or co-owner of the business.

7. Monthly Reporting

• Every branch must submit a monthly report on loan disbursement under this scheme to the SME Division of Head Office within the prescribed deadline.

Branch Instructions

• Create awareness about the scheme among eligible women entrepreneurs.
• Give priority to loan applications under this refinance scheme.
• Ensure quick processing and proper customer service.
• Follow Bangladesh Bank guidelines and the bank’s credit policy in all cases.
• Report any implementation issues to Head Office immediately.

All Branch Managers are requested to supervise the implementation of this scheme personally and ensure full compliance with the above instructions.

For any clarification, please contact the SME Division, Head Office.

Yours faithfully,

[Your Name]
General Manager, SME Division
[Bank Name] Head Office