Small and medium enterprises can apply for bank financing online using SMEConnect, a digital portal introduced by the State Bank of Pakistan. Users must create an account, verify their business bank account, provide business details, and send a financing request to their bank.

The central bank released a video tutorial for the platform at smeconnect.sbp.org.pk. The bilingual portal, available in English and Urdu, links small businesses and banks together.

Starting November 1, 2026, all SME financing applications must go through SMEConnect.

Step 1: Check Eligibility and Create an Account

The SMEConnect home page displays eligibility rules, application steps, and links to bodies like the SBP, SECP, FBR, SMEDA, and the Sunwai complaint service. Existing users can sign in with email and password or Google. New users select "Please Register".

Applicants provide their full name, mobile number, email address, gender, CNIC, and password, and agree to the terms. A security code arrives via email or mobile to finish registration.

Step 2: Verify Your Business Bank Account

Users enter the IBAN for their primary business account. The portal automatically detects and verifies the bank name. Those without an account must open one first, while those with multiple accounts should enter the IBAN of the bank providing the financing.

Step 3: Add Your Business Information

After IBAN verification, users input business details including name, owner CNIC, business email, nature of business, NTN, status, address, establishment year, annual sales, premises, and registration authority. Clicking "Save & Continue" brings users to a dashboard tracking draft, submitted, under review, approved, rejected, and disbursed applications.

Step 4: Apply for Financing

On the dashboard, users select "Apply for New Financing" across business information, financing, and review stages. The financing section requires loan details such as mode, requested amount, and tenor, with Islamic financing listed as an option.

Step 5: Review and Submit

Applicants review their data or save the form as a draft. Clicking "Submit Application", reading the undertaking, and choosing "Agree & Submit" generates a reference with a case ID, submission date, assigned bank, and status. SBP notes that approval depends on individual bank assessment.

What Happens After You Apply

The "Track Application" feature allows status checks at any time. The bank reaches out via the provided phone number or email for further steps. SBP states that complete and correct information leads to a bank decision within the central bank time frame. Subsequent logins require an email, password, and a six-digit OTP sent by phone or email, with a password reset option available.

Where to Get Help

Questions can be directed to banks or the SBP helpline at +92 21 111 727 273 and smeconnect@sbp.org.pk. Complaints go through the SBP Sunwai portal or app. This platform supports the SBP goal to expand small business credit, following an increase in SME financing limits to up to Rs. 500 million.