NCBA Bank and HEVA Fund have rolled out a KSh 20 million Start-Up Incubator financing facility targeting Kenyan creative entrepreneurs. The product offers loans of up to KSh 100,000 at a fixed 9% interest rate with no security required.
NCBA Bank and HEVA Fund have launched a collateral-free loan facility for creative start-ups. The product offers up to KSh 100,000 at 9% interest.
The facility is the first product under the strategic partnership signed in December 2025. It is designed for early-stage creative individuals and registered SMEs that struggle to access traditional bank credit because of irregular cash flows and lack of collateral.
Key Features of the Facility
- Loan amount: Up to KSh 100,000
- Interest rate: Fixed 9% per annum
- Collateral: None required
- Repayment period: Flexible terms of up to six months, aligned to creative revenue cycles
- Extra support: Built-in insurance, financial literacy training and mentorship
The capital can be used for production equipment, working capital, live events, touring, marketing, digital distribution and content creation.
Why This Matters for Kenyan Creatives
Kenya’s creative economy contributes an estimated 5.3% to GDP and supports more than 300,000 entrepreneurs. Most creatives still operate outside formal banking systems because lenders demand payslips, fixed assets or regular income streams that many do not have.
This facility steps into that gap. By removing the security requirement and matching repayments to seasonal cash flows, NCBA and HEVA aim to turn creative talent into bankable businesses.
Michael Owino, Assistant General Manager for Commercial and SME Lending at NCBA, said the bank recognised that creatives can convert their skills into viable enterprises. The partnership allows the bank to understand their needs and support them as they scale.
HEVA Fund brings more than 12 years of experience financing fashion, music, film, digital content, gaming, crafts and live events. The organisation has already deployed hundreds of millions of shillings into the sector and plans to expand further with NCBA’s reach.
Related:NCBA Bank Kenya — Retail, Corporate & Digital Banking, Upper Hill
How to Apply
The product is now live. Creative business owners can apply through:
- The official NCBA Group website (creative economy section)
- The HEVA Fund portal
- Any of NCBA’s branches across Kenya
- HEVA Fund offices
This is the first of five planned products under the partnership. Others will cover event financing, invoice discounting, LPO financing and working capital.
For many creatives who have long been locked out of mainstream credit, the new facility offers a practical and affordable entry point into formal finance.
Sources
- HEVA Fund – HEVA x NCBA Partnership
- NCBA Group – Creative Economy Financing
- NCBA Bank and HEVA Fund official announcements, August 2026