Equity Bank Unveils Expanded SME Financing and Business Growth Solutions at Thika Supreme Centre

Equity Bank has unveiled a range of enhanced financial solutions aimed at accelerating the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), women-led businesses and corporate clients, while strengthening networking opportunities among entrepreneurs.

The announcements were made during an SME Breakfast Forum held at the Equity Supreme Centre in Thika, where bank executives engaged customers on new lending products, digital banking solutions, wealth management and business growth strategies.

Opening the forum, Sammy Karanu, Branch Manager at the Equity Supreme Branch, said the branch was specifically designed to serve high-value customers through personalised banking experiences and extended operating hours.

He explained that the branch serves business owners and customers who require privacy and dedicated relationship management, operating from 8:00am to 6:00pm on weekdays and until 2:00pm on Saturdays.

Karanu said the breakfast meeting was intended to connect entrepreneurs from different sectors, enabling them to exchange ideas, build partnerships and unlock new business opportunities.

“Most of our customers are business owners who require personalised services and privacy. Beyond banking, we want to create a strong business network where customers can learn from one another, identify opportunities and grow together,” said Karanu.

He added that the bank will continue organising similar forums to strengthen business relationships while giving customers an opportunity to share their experiences and challenges.

Equity Bank's Director of SME Banking, Collins Wanyonyi, announced a major expansion of the bank's unsecured lending programme.

Previously, businesses without collateral could only access loans of up to Ksh 3 million. However, the bank has now increased the unsecured lending limit to Ksh. 10 million, with approvals based primarily on customers' account turnover and banking history.

“Last month we rolled out unsecured business loans of up to Ksh. 10 million. We now look at your account turnover and how your business operates rather than relying entirely on security,” Wanyonyi said.

He further revealed that customers can now access up to Ksh. 10 million to pay Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) import duties, preventing delays in clearing imported goods. The bank has also increased invoice financing and Local Purchase Order (LPO) financing limits from Ksh. 1 million to Ksh. 10 million, enabling businesses to improve cash flow.

In addition, Wanyonyi said Equity is promoting value chain financing by helping suppliers receive payments within seven days while the bank recovers funds from buyers under agreed repayment arrangements.

The bank also continues to offer lending solutions for employees of business customers to reduce pressure on employers whenever staff require emergency financial assistance.

Equity Bank's Women and Youth Banking Financial Manager, Charity Munyori, said the institution has strengthened its commitment to supporting women-owned businesses through affordable financing, financial education and networking opportunities.

She noted that the bank finances businesses that are at least 51 per cent owned by women, companies employing significant numbers of women and businesses whose products directly benefit women.

“We are not only providing financial solutions. We are also offering financial education, insurance, digital banking solutions and networking opportunities because successful businesses require much more than loans,” Munyori said.

She encouraged women entrepreneurs to embrace digital platforms such as Pay with Equity, Equity Online for Business, mobile applications and USSD services to manage their finances more conveniently.

Munyori outlined the bank's three-tier women-in-business programme, with financing tailored according to business size and annual turnover.

Businesses with annual turnover of up to Ksh. 50 million can access loans of up to Ksh. 10 million, while larger enterprises with turnovers between Ksh. 51 million and Ksh. 800 million qualify for significantly higher financing. Even larger businesses are eligible for funding exceeding Ksh. 200 million.

She emphasised that financial literacy remains a key pillar of the programme.

“Before businesses grow financially, entrepreneurs must understand money management, taxation, partnerships and networking. Our goal is to walk with women through every stage of business growth,” she added.

Equity Relationship Manager Julius Mbiko announced improved asset financing packages for businesses seeking commercial vehicles.

He said the bank now offers up to 100 per cent financing for pickups, light trucks and medium commercial vehicles supplied by leading dealers including Isuzu East Africa, CFAO Mobility, Simba Corporation, Tata and FAW.

Heavy commercial vehicles qualify for financing of up to 95 per cent, while customers are granted a repayment moratorium of up to 90 days before making their first instalment.

Mbiko also revealed that customers who purchase financed vehicles can access an additional Ksh. 1 million unsecured loan to support business operations.

For larger financing needs, the bank has increased lending limits secured solely by the financed vehicle from Ksh. 20 million to Ksh. 50 million, eliminating the need for additional collateral.

“We want businesses to acquire the vehicles they need without disrupting their cash flow. The vehicle itself can now secure financing of up to Ksh. 50 million,” Mbiko said.

Head of Merchant Acquiring Misheck Gathitu highlighted several digital payment innovations designed to simplify business transactions.

He encouraged businesses to adopt Pay with Equity, point-of-sale terminals, credit card payments and Equity Online for Business to improve efficiency in receiving payments and making transactions.

Importers and exporters were also encouraged to use the bank's EasyFX platform, which enables customers to monitor foreign exchange rates and conduct foreign currency transactions digitally.

Gathitu reminded customers that they can deposit cash outside normal banking hours through Cash Deposit Machines (CDMs) while also taking advantage of premium credit cards that offer travel benefits, airport lounge access and other conveniences.

Equity Bank General Manager for Wealth Management, Daniel Munyua, urged entrepreneurs to think beyond accumulating assets and instead focus on structuring wealth to support future generations.

He observed that many people are asset-rich but cash-poor because their wealth is tied up in non-liquid investments.

“The question is not whether you are wealthy. The question is how your wealth is structured. Wealth should serve you with dignity and create opportunities instead of holding you hostage,” Munyua said.

He said Equity's Investment Banking division is available to help customers develop personalised wealth management strategies that support business growth, succession planning and long-term financial security.

The forum concluded with business owners engaging Equity Bank specialists on financing opportunities, digital banking, wealth management and strategies for expanding their enterprises through stronger financial partnerships.