Second Floor, Sebastian's Building
Road Town, Tortola
Virgin Islands (British) VG1110
The National Business Bureau Loan Guarantee Programme (NBB LGP) is a joint initiative of the Government of the Virgin Islandsand the National Bank of the Virgin Islands. The National Business Bureau Loan Programme encourages and supports community economic development by making loan funds available at the community level to small startup or existing businesses. The program is used to provide help to entrepreneurs who otherwise might not get started.
Who may apply?
Businesses eligible for the NBB LGP are existing small or start-up businesses that have experienced difficulty obtaining financing through traditional means. Business not eligible for assistance are those engaged in residential real estate and multi-level marketing schemes. The NBB will judge businesses on their ability to provide jobs and add service to the community.
How do you apply?
If you are applying for a NBB loan guarantee, you will need to submit a letter of intent along with the appropriate supporting documents. Please note that the National Business Bureau and the Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs do not provide direct loans. The process starts with pre-screening by the NBB within standard banking guidelines, before submission to the lending agency.
Process
The checklist outlined below will help ensure that you have everything required for the completion of your application:
NBB Loan Guarantee Application by Letter of Intent
To begin the process applicants must submit their letter of intent outlining the nature of their business and the purpose for the amount of capital requested. Provide a brief history of the business and its challenges. Include an explanation of why the NBB loan is needed and how it will help the business. All invoices for equipment or material purchases should accompany the loan request.
If funds are being requested to purchase an existing business the following information is needed for purchasing an existing business:
- Current balance sheet and Profit and Loss (P&L) statement of business to be purchased
- Certificate of good standing of the business to be bought
- Proposed Bill of Sale including Terms of Sale asking price with schedule of inventory, machinery and equipment, furniture and fixture
Business Plan and Financial Statements
To support the application and demonstrate your ability to repay the loan, you must prepare a sound business plan which includes proper financial statements. Below are financial statements that applicants should consider:
Profit and Loss (P&L) Statement - This must be current within ninety (90) days of your application. Also include supplementary schedules from the last three fiscal years.
Projected Financial Statements - Include a detailed, one-year projection of income and finances and attach a written explanation as to how you expect to achieve this projection.
Business Certificate and Trade License
Applicants must submit an updated copy of their Trade License to verify their right to conduct business in the territory. For businesses that are incorporated, a copy of their certificate of incorporation should be submitted.
Please note applicants will undergo Personal Background and Financial Statement checks as a part of the loan gurantee process.
What happens AFTER you APPLY?
After you apply the application is then pre-screened by the NBB Advisory Board. The Bureau will then meet with the applicant, review and make recommendations to the lender. When the Bureau refers the application to the lender final credit and reference check will be completed. Further arrangements are then made by the bank and the client.
Department Contact Information
Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs
Business Hours:
Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Cashier: 9:00 a.m - 3:30 p.m
Email Address: bvitrade@gov.vg
Telephone: 1(284) 468-2008
Fax: 1(284) 468-2918