Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan can now apply for bank financing online through SMEConnect, a digital platform launched by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
The portal allows businesses to submit financing applications through a single platform instead of approaching banks separately to begin the application process. It is available in both English and Urdu.
To apply, business owners must register on the portal, verify their business bank account, provide business information, enter their financing requirements, and submit the application for review.
The SBP has also released a video tutorial explaining how to use the platform. From November 1, 2026, all SME financing applications will have to be submitted through SMEConnect.
Here is how businesses can apply for financing through the portal.
Step 1: Register on SMEConnect
Visit the SMEConnect portal and select the registration option if you are a new user. Existing users can log in using their email address and password or continue with Google.
During registration, applicants must provide their full name, mobile number, email address, gender, CNIC number, and a password. They must also accept the terms of service.
The portal will send a security code to verify the registered email address or mobile number. Enter the code to complete registration.
The homepage also provides information about financing eligibility and links to relevant organizations, including the SBP, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, Federal Board of Revenue, and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority.
Step 2: Verify Your Business Bank Account
After registering, applicants must enter the International Bank Account Number (IBAN) of the bank account primarily used for business transactions.
The portal identifies the bank based on the IBAN and verifies the account details.
Businesses without a bank account must open one before proceeding. Applicants who maintain accounts with multiple banks should provide the IBAN of the account through which they want to receive financing.
Step 3: Enter Your Business Details
Once the bank account is verified, applicants must complete their business profile.
The required information includes the business name, owner’s CNIC, business email address, nature of business, National Tax Number (NTN), business status, address, year of establishment, annual sales, business premises, and registration authority.
After entering the information, click “Save & Continue” and review the business profile before confirming it.
The portal will then display a dashboard showing applications that are in draft, submitted, under review, approved, rejected, or disbursed.
Step 4: Apply for Financing
Select “Apply for New Financing” from the dashboard to begin the loan application.
The process has three stages: business information, financing details, and final review.
Applicants must specify the financing mode, requested amount, and repayment period, known as the tenor. The available options include Islamic financing.
Businesses should enter their financing requirements carefully before moving to the next stage.
Step 5: Review and Submit the Application
Before submitting the application, check all the information for accuracy.
Applicants who need more time can save their applications as drafts and return to them later.
To complete the process, click “Submit Application”, read the undertaking, and select “Agree & Submit”.
The portal will generate an application reference containing a case ID, submission date, assigned bank, and application status.
Submitting an application does not guarantee approval. The bank will assess the request according to its financing criteria.
How to Track Your Loan Application
Applicants can use the “Track Application” option to check their application status.
The assigned bank may contact them through the registered mobile number or email address to complete further processing.
According to the SBP, banks will decide on applications with complete and accurate information and documents within the applicable timeframe prescribed under the central bank’s instructions.
To access the account later, users must enter their registered email address and password and verify their identity using a six-digit one-time password (OTP) sent to their registered contact details.
Users who forget their passwords can reset them through the “Forgot Password” option.
Where to Get Help
Businesses seeking assistance with SMEConnect or SME financing can contact their bank or reach the SBP through the following channels:
- Email: smeconnect@sbp.org.pk
- Helpline: +92 21 111 727 273
- Complaints: SBP’s Sunwai portal or mobile app
The digital platform is part of the SBP’s efforts to expand access to credit for small businesses. The central bank previously increased SME financing limits to as much as Rs. 500 million.
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