Young artisans
Frequently asked questions

• I am older than 35. How can I get finance?
• What if one of my partners is older than 40?
• What if one of my partners is a not employed by the business?
• When can I apply for skills-based youth finance?
• What is the minimum amount I can borrow?
• What if I need less?
• What is the maximum amount I can borrow?
• What if I need more?
• What if I am not an artisan or professional?
• How can I qualify for young artisan finance?
• What can I use young artisan finance for?
• Do I need a business plan?
• What if I don’t have any collateral?
• Can someone else manage the business for me?
• Do I have to register a company?
• What about the training?
• Can permanent residents or non-Namibians apply?

Apply for finance for young artisans, here...

I am older than 35. How can I get finance?

If you are an artisan or professional, you may qualify. 20% of available finance is set aside for people aged between 36 and 40. Each application will be handled on a case-by-case basis, and at the sole discretion of DBN.

What if one of my partners is older than 40?

This finance is strictly reserved for enterprises with individuals in the age range. If this is the case, please apply for SME finance.

What if one of my partners is a not employed by the business?

This finance is reserved for enterprises where all partners as fully employed by the business. If this is the case, please apply for SME finance.

What is the minimum amount I can borrow?

N$50,000.

What if I need less?

You should apply to Postfin at Nampost or contact your local bank.

What is the maximum amount I can borrow?

N$1 million for the skills-based product for young artisans

What if I need more?

You can apply for an SME loan.

What if I am not an artisan or professional?

You can apply for an SME loan.

How can I qualify for youth artisan finance?

You will need an NQF3 qualification or higher. You must use the finance to start a company in your field of artisanship.

What sort of artisans?

Fields of technical and vocational skills may include, among others

• Boilermaking, plating and / or welding
• Carpentry and / or joinery
• Electrical
• Fitting, turning and / or machining
• Instrumentation
• Petrol and / or diesel mechanics
• Plumbing
• Refrigeration and / or air-conditioning
• Sheet metal work and / or metal fabrication

What can I use youth artisan finance for?

You can use it for:

• A business vehicle
• Tools
• Stock (for your artisan business)
• Operating capital

If you want to use it for a business vehicle, tools or stock, please get quotes.

Do I need a business plan?

Yes. You will need to describe the business (e.g. artisan / professional enterprise, field of artisanship/profession, etc. You will need to calculate your projected monthly earnings for your company and then deduct your salary, employee salaries, tax, and operating expenses. You will need to make a projection for 36 months. Please do so on an Excel sheet, listing all the items, as well as how much you will be able to pay monthly on the loan.

Can someone else manage the business on for me?

Although you may hire a manager, you must be employed by the business full time.

What if I don’t have any collateral?

You can use the following as collateral if your application is successful

• A vehicle you finance under the scheme (it will also have to be insured)
• Life insurance which you will need to take out and cede to the Bank

Do I have to register a company?

Yes. Register a CC or a sole proprietorship. You will also have to register for company tax, income tax, and social security. 

What about the training?

DBN will require you to attend business training. This will help you make your company successful.

Can permanent residents or non-Namibians apply?

No. In order to qualify for this loan, you need to be a Namibian citizen.